Claire - cold world pg 2

This image is so painful to acknowledge. Cataloging human isolation, separation, and sadness, it is a powerful work that destroys the traditional image of the power of youth, and instead focuses on the difficult time of self growth and the introspection that may follow the mental collapse. It has this emotional depth that creates an atmosphere of negative influences that immediately affect whoever looks at it.

The naked human form reminds us of our own vulnerability. It brings to mind how we may be surrounded by more people we can handle yet we can't connect with any of them because there is this invisible wall, maybe our own insecurities, that prevents us from reaching out.

The background has a very rough, grungy feel, almost as if it doesn't truly exist, that it is a fabrication in itself. It may be a representation of Claire's inner world, which is strange to herself, flimsy and weakly supported. This heightens the viewer's perception of Claire's social estrangement and makes it tangible. The roughness of the background also contrasts sharply with the softness of Claire's nude body. We are reminded that she is just human. Just vulnerable, young and inexperienced. The nudity brings to mind the idea of her going along a psychic journey through herself, where she is exposed to herself in her simplest form. No clothes, just nude, bare truths. In this way she can properly dissect herself.

The composition of the actual photo used for the background is stunning. It heightens the artistic value of the piece, and makes that cold world seem hostile but beautiful and rewarding at the same time. The contrasts brought on by the addition of tones are arresting and distinguishing, and they bring out the softness of Claire's body.

Claire's body was shaded so beautifully and realistically, and her form and pose make the viewer really feel the surge of emotion she is experiencing. It's a horrible picture for that...for showing so clearly this atmosphere of social obscurity and loneliness...

The image might be stronger if Claire had shown up a little lighter on the picture. Though thinking about it the darkness that you have is necessary because of the darker tones already in the background.

I think it would be a stronger image if you took the text off. But as this is a manga page it could be a good thing to keep the text in there, however the picture's impression on the viewer would be more severe and run deeper just without those words. Maybe a different font...?

Overall, this is one of your best artworks in terms of feel and contrast. You've really been using those tones to make the picture's appearance more striking and its message more fluent. Excellent, excellent work with this. The first time I saw it I was shocked! I can't stress enough how gorgeous the background is...