Well, I think it looks RIGHT all in similar tones. Suits the piece! HOWEVER, if you really want to pop somewhere, I just read the storyline from the page & the last stressed word was KILL. Why not a pooling or a dripping of blood somewhere? Maybe even on the last segment of the story page. I still contend tho' that it's just right as is. One of your best pieces!

Hmmmm..... I like it the way it is- you could just put it in a colorful frame- maybe red?

Whay not just add the Ace of hearts. You have all black cards and I do agree it is great the way it is. But I think the Red card would give it that pop your looking for without bienf audatious.

I agree with Linda, Judi. It has enough going for it that your eye is encouraged to rove throughout the composition. It has a vintage look and I like that very much! Are the cards sealed with wax?

Judi, I agree with others. It is just right as it is. You did say the page was from an old novel so the old look is quite appropriate for this piece.
Now if you could make the gun smoke that would be something LOL!

Judi,
I love this piece as is. It captures that time period wonderfully. Personally I wouldn't do anything to it. Fantastic job.
Love & Hugs
Fran

I think it's great the way it is. But if you really, really think that you must add some color, why don't you do a very subtle bit of hand-tinting to the photo of the cowgirl? That would be in keeping with the appropriate time period and not be a "modern" touch at all.

Well, even though I like it just fine the way it is, I would try looking at a copy of your photo in black and white -- to my eye it looks as if it has a value range mostly in the medium dark to dark. Perhaps it wants a highlight. I like Linda's idea for the Ace of Hearts.

JudiA

Hi Judi
I totally agree with the other girls- my only thought is that perhaps the colour of the black cards is the jarring point- it seems to be a caramal colour and while it tones in with the other parts to me I think I would have not painted it quite as dark as this or bright- I would have just slighty painted a tea colour on it instead of the caramal colour- does this make any sense- Other then that I LOVE IT!! I truly do its a great piece! and the snake skin is a brilliant touch and as U say no snakes were hurt in this process gggg
love n hugs your NO 1 fan Bear xoxoxoxoxox

Hi Judi I love what you are doing with this I got to thinking maybe a couple of antique lables tobacco and whiskey.I am still thinking

haha it works thanks

First, make a couple of photocopies of the piece so you can goof around with it without guilt. I quite like Kai's blood idea (spatter?) and Sandra's Ace of Hearts - or maybe the Queen of Hearts to repeat the femme fatale riff - maybe even with a bullet hole through it!! Then use the red frame to pick up the blood and the card.
I like sponge painting with antique gold or ironing with the Jones Tones foils or using the gilt flakes to give a bit of sparkle. Not a lot, just enough to bring the eye through the piece.
KAthy

I like the ace of hearts idea. Maybe put a bullet hole through the ace and a smudge of the aforementioned blood?

It's great Judi! I think you've got some great idea's from everyone, maybe combine a couple idea's Linda's Ace of Hearts and Kathy's bit of sparkle. I'm a sparkle girl myself, just a little bit seems to do the trick most time's for me anyway.
You have a great artistic mind Judi so I'm sure you'll come up with an answer.

Perhaps you should add a tiny toy gun to the piece to give it more oomph! (less flat).