#3 in the Series and Self Critique

I've finished the top to #3 in the series and this one took me far, far longer than I had anticipated. I think there were two factors involved. First, I was working with a much more controlled palette of fabrics, a total of 6 or 7. Secondly, someone had suggested a few more vertical, thin lines. Don't get me wrong, I'm not easily swayed, but I did see the merit of trying out that idea. So, a bit more planning was involved!

So here it is, as a vertical piece (on the left) and rotated 180 degrees.

What works here:

• the tighter palette was a lot more fun to use, because I had a limited choice.
• the dark strips really stand out-strong contrast
• I actually prefer the one on the right, perhaps because its not as bottom heavy.

Problems I see:

• the dark strips are too evenly spaced, doesn't create any tension/focal point
•  no place for the eye to rest, rather jumpy

So, as before, I turned the piece 90 degrees, so it has a horizontal orientation. What a difference!

 To me, all of a sudden its much more painterly.... and a much better composition? I prefer the one on the top. It seems to have hints of a landscape that I find quite appealing. Plus the vertical bits seem rather tree-like. I might go back and either trim a bit off the bottom, or add another darker strip in the lower right hand corner to pull the eye down a bit.
I want you to know that I really do appreciate your comments and have found them very helpful. So lets it from you about this one?