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This is actually more a question of composition. This young wallaby is peeking out from behind a tree and my original plan was to draw the tree in front of him. However, having progressed with the wallaby, I am now in a dilemma as to what to do about the tree. If I put it in, I'm afraid it may detract from the main subject, which is the wallaby. On the other hand if I leave it out does the work look unfinished and if so what would be needed? Either way, I would be interested in people's thoughts and also any suggestions as what more needs to be done to finish the wallaby. I have attached the photo from which I've been working to put all this in context.
Thanks
Jean

Jean, I think this is utterly delightful just as it is.

It's very nicely balanced - to the point that inclusion of the rocks would minimise the little wallaby's importance. That blank space is all that's needed; it perfectly balances the painted half; and knowing what that space contained tell us nothing we need to know.

The same applies to the tree. What would it add to your story. I believe it would add nothing - except a degree of confusion.

This is a lovely portrait of a lovely young wallaby, and it really doesn't need anything else at all.

Just my opinion. Other opinions are available.

Thanks so much for that, Mike. I really didn't want to put that tree in, as I couldn't see how it would work, so I'm very pleased to have your opinion!

Well, the acid test for me is... Will including it add to the story I'm telling?

In this case, I'm not sure if the lower right is rock or tree bark, so that's not going to tell anyone more about the Wallaby's environment. And neither will the tree, nor any part of it.

For example, if you were drawing a Wildebeest in a sandy setting, a lone tree in the midground or background might describe and emphasise the vastness of the landscape. Where a foreground tree simply won't. Its inclusion would add nothing.

When you're working from reference photos, always take what you can use, discard anything that has no immediate connection to the subject, and alter anything that doesn't but could assist understanding.

And never feel compelled to include something "because it's in the photo".

What a lovely portrait!! As always, Mike’s analysis is spot on. I agree that nothing more is needed in this case. By softly fading out the body in the lower right corner, our attention is automatically focused on that pretty face and those lovely eyes.

The only thing I would add is that in my opinion, successful portraits are never easy. The underlying drawing has to be very well rendered because there are no other elements in the composition to distract us. You nailed it here Jean!

Very useful information to keep in mind for future drawings, Mike. Also, thanks so much for your nice comments Laurene and glad that you agree with Mike!

Very eye catching just the way it is!

It's another very nice drawing showing the beauty of the animal this time...
You have good eye capturing subjects.