In contrast to your guitarist (if I may take the liberty of the comparison) this works very well in my opinion. Tonal and colour range, composition and story are all spot on. The shadows of viewers adds counterpoint! The addition of sustenance completes the narrative. This is a gloriously optimistic picture.
John's comment regarding the shadows of the viewers is spot on. The tilt of the head/hat and the way it parallels the shadows is particularly satisfying. Well done.
As has already been said, the shadows make this. I get a sense of being there, without having any clue as to where 'there' is. That, perhaps, is a downside. A little too generic?
I too must chime in with the shadows making this. To me it adds to the interaction of this art presentation format with its audience - i.e. the audience can not only touch this work they can also walk over it.
All in agreement about the diagonal shadows. I can only add that the subdued colors, with the shirt and hat echoing colors in the painting, are very pleasing. It would be quite a different image with boldly colored clothing on the artist.
