@SeattleJennD I like the first best. Your right arm/elbow mimics the angles of the hanging floggers and a swing and strike of the cane seem more imminent, the look on your face is "down to business", the little bit of hair above his shoulders looks more personable, etc.
@TheaLanden Tried "mortar" first but came up nada...maybe "use the point of your trowel to really make her howl". I'm not good at this, I'm gonna quit.