Telling a Story

The workshop this past Summer with Jeannie McGuire helped me to take a second look at this painting. I was struggling with the composition-- I wanted to express the energy of winning the race. I liked the color flow and the sunlight/shadows, but somehow it was like just copying the photo.
After the workshop, I put the painting away, not sure where to go with it, and sorry that it wouldn't be ready for the Princeton show. I kept it at the back of my mind wondering how to get the feeling of "air" without actually painting those great shadows under their feet. After much mental hashing, I took the message from Jeannie McGuire, which was to keep only the basic elements of the photo reference and try to let the painting speak for itself. After all, the viewers don't see the references, only the finished product.
I can almost see what the painting will look like when finished, which is a good sign, I'm hoping.
My "new" version of  "Sack Race" has only small bits suggesting the sacks, but I'm hoping the sunlight and facial expressions say the rest.  --I'll keep you posted! :)