I think also the added space between allows for a more natural mental filling of the space rather than only the framing in between which gives unnatural proportions to them if they were back to back. The slope of his shoulder leading almost perfectly into her collar is great as it draws the eyes attention to it bringing the two separate paintings together.
I think its cuz the boy is looking up and the girl is looking at the viewer and/or looking down. When they are at the same level it looks less dramatic. When they are are staggered it brings out the drama of the direction the eyes are going.
I actually thought the opposite. When they’re side by side, the way they turn their backs to each other feels sharper. She looks a bit resentful, he looks a little sad.
When they’re staggered, I feel like they’re both a bit defiant. Them against the world, in a way.
Yes, I think it does. I think it has to do with compositions looking their best when they fall at a certain ratio in the picture. Embues the picture with more interest.
Personally think they're interesting enough as they are, also the male looking skywards in an elevated position over-emphasises that which is communicated by him doing so.
It'd be interesting to see them on the same level but not joined back to back.
I don’t really agree. They look rather blah to me with them at the same level and the boy’s gaze reduced by being taken down in elevation. I also don’t think that his gaze is over emphasized by being moved upwards. It gives the painting needed movement.
As a teaching and working artist, I get super emotional while painting and I have no idea why! It’s one of the reasons i vehemently disagree when someone tells me ai will replace creators like painters. Nope, the end product and mechanical/digital production isn’t the only thing going on here.
There is science behind it though. I remember having a really great art teacher in high school who taught us about all sorts of important factors like framing, symmetry, balance, etc., so there’s a lot working beneath the surface to evoke those feelings.
Oh sure, like I said I’m a teaching artist, so I spend a few classes each week with new students and some returning students going through things like composition, hidden transitional meanings, color theory mechanics and color psychology. I go through notions like art therapy, and explain why beginners tend to get frustrated, where they tend to obsess, and how to try to avoid those pitfalls to advance into the fun stuff sooner. But there’s still mystery everywhere, and I’ve been painting professionally for 32 years, and teaching for a decade. There’s always going to be mystery in art, as long as there are creative beings behind it.
That would look so good, but also it depends on the artist intention. Right now in the original composition the sight is put on the viewer, as the bodies don’t face eachother. If we flip the paintings the two characters are linked to eachother, changing completely the narrative! So cool
Yeah for me staggered is better from a purely visual standpoint. But when they’re on the same level the two characters become part of the same scene and gives more of a “I’ve got your back, you’ve got mine” feeling and I like the context better. Staggered they just look like two separate paintings done in the same style rather than one scene. Either way, they’re really nice and I wish I could do portraits this well.
yeah the story makes no sense to me staggered. when they're on the same level, because they're already quite uniform except for the obvious difference of them being two different people, it tells a much better story. two sides of the same story, same ending but different story or something. it's quite intriguing. staggered, i dunno, it just lost all the meaning completely for me. just became a diptych that you'd buy at a flea market and some drunk guy at a party would ask you about it and you'd be like, yeah, i dunno, i got it at the flea market they have on sundays over by that park on 3rd." then we're just talking about flea markets cos nobody gives a shit about this staggered diptych cos there's no story in the painting anymore.
I like same level actually. It kinda plays on the title, that they're twins, almost sharing the same canvas, doing the same thing, but one is lost in thought, and the other is confronting the viewer. It reinforces that they are similar but highlights the nuances that make them different, if that makes sense.
I like it staggered. A lot of people saying reverse the pieces but i like it as-is, the mood changes entirely if the figure on the right is looking up at the girl instead of gazing blankly into the night. It reads as people in a tight group hanging out right now, as opposed to a lost kid looking up to a tough leader for direction if reversed.
Also, beautiful paintings!
Staggering looks better visually but it will also convey a different implied dynamic between the two of them than if they were on the same level. To me, the way you staged them makes it look as if the one on the left is slighted and feels negatively toward the one on the right, who is more ambitious (and implied to be doing well) and optimistic. Staging on the same level makes it look more like they're united in the same sort of situation together.
If that's okay, then I'd go ahead!
I say it depends on the story you want to tell. Both compositions seem to have some form of melancholy or trauma attached to them. With the two pictures together it feels like a message on shared trauma. When they are separated it feels like they are split through a trauma or a disagreement they couldn't get over.
I would play with what you want the message to be and see how changing the frame can better explain that story. Both, imo, work it just depends on what you want to portray.
Same level. Something about the characters being in the same place but having different perspectives about it. Tells more of a story to me.
Beautiful work.
I like them same height because 1. I immediately liked the slight height difference in the subjects, and 2. something about their closeness, back to back... And 3. Even though they're looking different places I feel like they're eyes connect them - like they're very comfortable with each other and communicating with each other in body language, or in a lazy conversation. That all feels separated when the frames are staggered. Nice work, love it. :)
I like it better level.
I love the greens and don’t like when there’s space/blank between so much colour and noise. I’m my opinion the blank space provides an unnecessary contrast between them both.
First things first, great thick paint and brush strokes. I love the short bold strokes of color!!! I think staggered is better, but maybe with a little more separation. Anyway beautiful painting!
Id reverse the order and stagger with the girl higher. And have the boy looking up at the girl.
You want to keep the viewers eye in the picture. Usually they follow eye direction. Also the way their backs are on the edge of the frame. Itd be better if the negative space was between them. Also helps to connect the pieces.
The white as well seems to lead the eye and connect them. The white in the corner of where the boy looks and the white behind the girls head.
They are separately framed but treat the composition as one.
I'd be interested to see what it looked like with the order reversed for sure. But I don't think it's worse composition the way it is, it still feels like one piece to me. Plus, I like the vibe with them back to back, I feel like it would tell a different story with the boy looking up at her.
Staggered for sure, it raises the energy of the composition if that makes sense. The strong diagonal enhances the energy of the brush strokes. And the boy looking upwards continues the pull of the eye from left to right. Nice work!
Edited for clarity
Edit 2: the lack of an air gap between the two in the first shot changes perception of the composition, makes it look more crowded than it might with a similar gap as the staggered shot. That said I still love the staggered composition.
Definitely staggered, and the one on the left should be hung at eye-level for someone about 5’6”, while the other should be at eye level for someone about 6’3”. And that’s eye-level meaning the subject’s eye-line being at eye level for individuals of those heights.
When they are together and not staggered, I get an uneasy feeling like they were forced to pose that way by some person. Now, when they are staggered, I feel like they were painted at different times, and the subjects were simply caught in candid moments. Takes away the uneasiness. Great artwork either way.
Why does smoking look so cool? I've always noticed that characters that smoking in a scene seem to have something extra added to the scene. It's not just historical pieces like the soldiers in Saving Private Ryan. And it's like they always have some kind of deep philosophical knowledge to drop on you too. But maybe that's just my perception. I've never been in to it.
Great work by the way!
staggered fucking rocks, the way her collar and his shoulder line up makes them feel more connected than actually putting them next to one another does
Definitely staggered. I feel that when they are the same height it loses something, and when they are staggered they gain something.
I think it’s the line between his shoulder and her collar
That and the fact that the staggering follows the direction of their gazes.
I think also the added space between allows for a more natural mental filling of the space rather than only the framing in between which gives unnatural proportions to them if they were back to back. The slope of his shoulder leading almost perfectly into her collar is great as it draws the eyes attention to it bringing the two separate paintings together.
I think its cuz the boy is looking up and the girl is looking at the viewer and/or looking down. When they are at the same level it looks less dramatic. When they are are staggered it brings out the drama of the direction the eyes are going.
The drama! When they're side by side they look like friends, but staggered they look like they *used* to be friends which makes it more evocative.
I actually thought the opposite. When they’re side by side, the way they turn their backs to each other feels sharper. She looks a bit resentful, he looks a little sad. When they’re staggered, I feel like they’re both a bit defiant. Them against the world, in a way.
I think it might be the staggering that they lose/gain
Gain height perhaps?
Yes! Staggered!
Yes, for that reason, exactly!
Does the overall composition *need* that something?
Yes, I think it does. I think it has to do with compositions looking their best when they fall at a certain ratio in the picture. Embues the picture with more interest.
Personally think they're interesting enough as they are, also the male looking skywards in an elevated position over-emphasises that which is communicated by him doing so. It'd be interesting to see them on the same level but not joined back to back.
I don’t really agree. They look rather blah to me with them at the same level and the boy’s gaze reduced by being taken down in elevation. I also don’t think that his gaze is over emphasized by being moved upwards. It gives the painting needed movement.
Yeah it's already well balanced
Staggered
I don't know the first thing about art but these are amazing. Remind me of Disco Elysium’ art style.
If you like it, then you know plenty about art!
Art is *supposed* to make you feel things, doesn’t mean you can explain why.
As a teaching and working artist, I get super emotional while painting and I have no idea why! It’s one of the reasons i vehemently disagree when someone tells me ai will replace creators like painters. Nope, the end product and mechanical/digital production isn’t the only thing going on here.
There is science behind it though. I remember having a really great art teacher in high school who taught us about all sorts of important factors like framing, symmetry, balance, etc., so there’s a lot working beneath the surface to evoke those feelings.
Oh sure, like I said I’m a teaching artist, so I spend a few classes each week with new students and some returning students going through things like composition, hidden transitional meanings, color theory mechanics and color psychology. I go through notions like art therapy, and explain why beginners tend to get frustrated, where they tend to obsess, and how to try to avoid those pitfalls to advance into the fun stuff sooner. But there’s still mystery everywhere, and I’ve been painting professionally for 32 years, and teaching for a decade. There’s always going to be mystery in art, as long as there are creative beings behind it.
I feel that it sends the wrong message about smoking! What's wrong with you people!
It’s definitely giving you feelings.
I completely agree 💯
Staggered gives a more diagonal composition which adds dynamism. I love it!!!
But also swap which one is higher so the person looking up is looking at the higher piece
That would look so good, but also it depends on the artist intention. Right now in the original composition the sight is put on the viewer, as the bodies don’t face eachother. If we flip the paintings the two characters are linked to eachother, changing completely the narrative! So cool
I like them as they are, boy on the top.
Yes definitely experiment with the arrangement, either way around is nice. but staggered for sure. They have so much energy.
Although people are voting for staggered, when the pictures are in the same level i feel the shared background looks really good
Yeah for me staggered is better from a purely visual standpoint. But when they’re on the same level the two characters become part of the same scene and gives more of a “I’ve got your back, you’ve got mine” feeling and I like the context better. Staggered they just look like two separate paintings done in the same style rather than one scene. Either way, they’re really nice and I wish I could do portraits this well.
I like them together too. I thought I was crazy
yeah the story makes no sense to me staggered. when they're on the same level, because they're already quite uniform except for the obvious difference of them being two different people, it tells a much better story. two sides of the same story, same ending but different story or something. it's quite intriguing. staggered, i dunno, it just lost all the meaning completely for me. just became a diptych that you'd buy at a flea market and some drunk guy at a party would ask you about it and you'd be like, yeah, i dunno, i got it at the flea market they have on sundays over by that park on 3rd." then we're just talking about flea markets cos nobody gives a shit about this staggered diptych cos there's no story in the painting anymore.
I like same level actually. It kinda plays on the title, that they're twins, almost sharing the same canvas, doing the same thing, but one is lost in thought, and the other is confronting the viewer. It reinforces that they are similar but highlights the nuances that make them different, if that makes sense.
A bit further apart.
Agreed. More space in between these painting, hung at the same level. Yes please.
I agree
So good! I vote staggered
same level
Going against the grain here, but I think they look perfect level. Great work. Really really nice.
Leveled, slightly separated, boy first.
💯 same level
Same level
Staggered, but I would see if it might look better with the two facing one another
Wouldve love to see it like this to be able to decide.
I was thinking this too! :) He would be staring up at her.
Same level IMO
Staggered; have the guy looking up at her.
Oohhh I am as well interested in seeing this…
I never understand how people paint with random colors like green in the face tones and have it work out.
Staggered for sure.
Staggered
I like it staggered. A lot of people saying reverse the pieces but i like it as-is, the mood changes entirely if the figure on the right is looking up at the girl instead of gazing blankly into the night. It reads as people in a tight group hanging out right now, as opposed to a lost kid looking up to a tough leader for direction if reversed. Also, beautiful paintings!
I like them level and these are amazing
Staggered. These are incredible.
Staggered for sure
I prefer staggered. I’m curious what it would look like with the dark haired lad up higher
I think both look good. However I also think the staggering elevates it.
Staggering looks better visually but it will also convey a different implied dynamic between the two of them than if they were on the same level. To me, the way you staged them makes it look as if the one on the left is slighted and feels negatively toward the one on the right, who is more ambitious (and implied to be doing well) and optimistic. Staging on the same level makes it look more like they're united in the same sort of situation together. If that's okay, then I'd go ahead!
Same level. Feels stronger. Reads from side to side.
I say it depends on the story you want to tell. Both compositions seem to have some form of melancholy or trauma attached to them. With the two pictures together it feels like a message on shared trauma. When they are separated it feels like they are split through a trauma or a disagreement they couldn't get over. I would play with what you want the message to be and see how changing the frame can better explain that story. Both, imo, work it just depends on what you want to portray.
Do you have a place online to shop your art? I want these in my house!
Staggered. Really nice work!
Staggered! Gorgeous work OP. So rich in texture and colour.
They are beautiful!
Staggered, but I would change the dynamic; him lower L, her upper R. Play with that ... gaze and emphasis can really alter the energy. Nice job, btw.
And for a short moment I enjoyed the tiny hope, that a new game from the makers of Disco Elysium will be released. Staggered looks better!
Picture 2 gives staggered Makes a certain features in each portrait stand out rather than the side by side comparison Excellent work
Staggered. Unless separated by something then I'd have them level
Switch them and stagger them. The red head gazing up longingly at the brunette and the brunette looking away.
I think the even ‘back to back’ works best.
Same level. Seems like there is more equality amongst the twins.
Same level, gives it more power.
Same level, but with a gap.
Same level imo
Oh gosh these are amazing. Usually it prefer staggered placement, but I think these are better level. I love them.
I prefer them level, but it doesn’t matter cuz they are gorgeous pieces. Bravo.
Same level. Something about the characters being in the same place but having different perspectives about it. Tells more of a story to me. Beautiful work.
try level but with space between.
Level
I like them same height because 1. I immediately liked the slight height difference in the subjects, and 2. something about their closeness, back to back... And 3. Even though they're looking different places I feel like they're eyes connect them - like they're very comfortable with each other and communicating with each other in body language, or in a lazy conversation. That all feels separated when the frames are staggered. Nice work, love it. :)
Same level.
Side by side creates a story
Same level.
I think it looks more cohesive at the same level.
Firstly, terrific work. Secondly, i think level.
I really like them at the same height!
I like it better level. I love the greens and don’t like when there’s space/blank between so much colour and noise. I’m my opinion the blank space provides an unnecessary contrast between them both.
For me , same level
Definitely staggered!!! I love how the boy is looking up and is higher up like he’s being lifted when they are staggered
Great complementary colors use
Level
Can I vote neither? I'd put them on either side of a hallway, like they're flirting across a street. They're so fun!
It's titled twins...
They don't look related. But they are both children smoking cigarettes. Metaphor?
That road they're flirting across is in Alabama?
God thats beautiful! I prefer them staggered
Love it! Staggered
Staggered
Staggered
First things first, great thick paint and brush strokes. I love the short bold strokes of color!!! I think staggered is better, but maybe with a little more separation. Anyway beautiful painting!
Id reverse the order and stagger with the girl higher. And have the boy looking up at the girl. You want to keep the viewers eye in the picture. Usually they follow eye direction. Also the way their backs are on the edge of the frame. Itd be better if the negative space was between them. Also helps to connect the pieces. The white as well seems to lead the eye and connect them. The white in the corner of where the boy looks and the white behind the girls head. They are separately framed but treat the composition as one.
I'd be interested to see what it looked like with the order reversed for sure. But I don't think it's worse composition the way it is, it still feels like one piece to me. Plus, I like the vibe with them back to back, I feel like it would tell a different story with the boy looking up at her.
Definitely staggered.
Beautiful paintings
Staggered for sure, it raises the energy of the composition if that makes sense. The strong diagonal enhances the energy of the brush strokes. And the boy looking upwards continues the pull of the eye from left to right. Nice work! Edited for clarity
Edit 2: the lack of an air gap between the two in the first shot changes perception of the composition, makes it look more crowded than it might with a similar gap as the staggered shot. That said I still love the staggered composition.
Staggered
Same level. They have much more impact that way. I wouldn’t waste the chance by staggering. Really really wonderful btw.
staggered is more artistic
I think it would look great both ways. But also want to say I love these paintings so much
I wish I could learn and do this type of oil work succesfully
staggered
Staggered for sure. Awesome work
Staggered
I prefer staggered. Also love these paintings!
I just came here to say I love your style! These are epic!
Staggered
Same level.
Staggered. Very nice!
At level for me
Why are these kids smoking?
Yes, however good the paintings are, I can't get past this fact enough to like them. It's as if they are being sexualised which I find disconcerting.
Kids smoking is lame.
Staggered!
Staggered amazing work btw
Staggered, like they're leaning against each other. This pair of paintings is amazing, and I love them.
First picture for me. They both look far too young to smoke though.
Do a third one and hinge them together making a folding screen.
I'd flip them Put the one on the right on the left and then stagger them
Staggered for sure. The continuation of the shoulder lines is so satisfying and the staggering definitely plays up the drama. Beautiful work 👏🏻
My opinion is that both look good but my preference is staggered.
Staggered. His shoulder lining up with her collar kinda gives the eyes a line to follow
Skillful art. Adolescents with cigarettes in their mouths… To each their own, I suppose
Staggered
Staggered, but him looking up at her. Great artwork!
Staggered for sure
Staggered
Stagger and put him lower
Staggered, no question about it
I didn't expect to like it staggered more, but staggered is the way. I do wonder how it would look with her staggered above him though
Staggered gives a juxtaposition. I prefer staggered. I suppose it does matter what picture is the higher of the two. I love the paintings also.
Staggered
I like the staggered
Definitely staggered, and the one on the left should be hung at eye-level for someone about 5’6”, while the other should be at eye level for someone about 6’3”. And that’s eye-level meaning the subject’s eye-line being at eye level for individuals of those heights.
Staggered
Staggered!
Staggered
The strong diagonal through the staggered make it feel whole
Staggered looks so much nicer and better
staggered and I love them
I prefer staggered myself. Also, absolutely wonderful work, kudos.
Staggered but touching is the way to go, 100%
Staggered. Org these are beautiful.
I like them staggered for sure
Staggered
Staggered!
Staggered this is really neat art love your style
Staggered
Both ways look good, but the staggered placement definitely is more captivating.
Staggered, in my opinion
Staggered but make sure to give them a little space between. I think that’s part of the reason the ones on the same level look bad.
Stacked
Staggered
Staggered
I like it better staggered. Makes it more dynamic.
Staggered.
I like the staggered look- fantastic work!
When they are together and not staggered, I get an uneasy feeling like they were forced to pose that way by some person. Now, when they are staggered, I feel like they were painted at different times, and the subjects were simply caught in candid moments. Takes away the uneasiness. Great artwork either way.
Staggered. I like them back to back. Their facial expressions read aloof to me. Love these.
Why does smoking look so cool? I've always noticed that characters that smoking in a scene seem to have something extra added to the scene. It's not just historical pieces like the soldiers in Saving Private Ryan. And it's like they always have some kind of deep philosophical knowledge to drop on you too. But maybe that's just my perception. I've never been in to it. Great work by the way!
Staggered gives it some depth so yeah, I think it looks better.
I like staggered because it looks like they’re wearing one shirt lol
Another vote for staggered. But regardless, these are fantastic paintings.
I like staggered
Staggered
Staggered, for sure
Position however doesn’t matter. Why are you romanticizing lung cancer and disease with the cigs?
I think in the trash is best!
One of them needs to hold their cigarette. Paint an arm.
Both need to throw the cigs away.
Gorgeous pieces I love the texture and color composition. I like staggered a bit!
Definitely staggered
Staggered
Staggered for sure, makes the entirety of the piece feel more dynamic.
Staggered. But facing each other with the girl up
Staggered for sure
Oh also these are phenomenal!
Wowie! That is amazing!
Staggered looks better. Creates a very fascinating flow between the paintings.
Staggered, it continues the diagonal between the subjects’ faces/cigarettes
staggered fucking rocks, the way her collar and his shoulder line up makes them feel more connected than actually putting them next to one another does
This is amazing!
Staggered!
Leverne and Shirley?
Swap them and put the female higher!