SOLD
The last still life I posted "In a Yellow Bowl" was not pleasing me at all as I continued to look at it. As I see it now, there were several problems. One was that it was too color saturated- not enough neutrals. It looked garish to me. Two was that it was too "middle value"- needed more dark (or light). Three was that the composition was too boringly linear. It marched straight across the picture plane with little to draw the eye around the rest of the space. That's a lot of problems! But I liked the elements that were there, so I decided that it was worth saving. As you can see, I added a plum as a dark element. With its reflection in the bowl, it creates a connection with the end of the spoon (which reflects the plum as well). Its placement in the lower right also serves to move the eye around and to create more interest in the shadow area. I also toned down the cup a bit so that it picks up some of the other colors and it integrates into the shadows, allowing the bright yellow bowl with the glass of water to be the primary focal point. Now I think it finally has the cohesiveness I want in my painting. The down side is that nearly all the under painting is now covered, so I've lost the spontaneity I'd like in my daily paintings. That's OK though; I learned some things and I'm quite happy with the finished piece.
Wow, you did a great job analyzing your own painting. I think that everything you did was an improvement. The addition of the plum really added to the painting. Although, being less critical than self-criticism, I really like the first version!
ReplyDeleteLayne, I am a great admirer of your painting. Think you have terrific style. I think the changes you made really improved this piece.
ReplyDeleteI am defiinitely guilty of posting a painting and then regretting it because of this or that. We are all learning and hopefully improving.
Wow. What a transformation. You have a wonderful clarity in your decision making process and it led to a great piece. Nice!
ReplyDeleteI like both paintings...the freshness and color of the first, and the dark plum in the second! Your hubby's portait is awesome! Did he sit for you or did you use a photo reference?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting that analysis! I've posted paintings that I later saw as flawed and reworked, but I didn't have the guts to re-post. I really appreciate that you did . . .
ReplyDeleteI also thought the composition could have been stronger in the previous version--but felt the vitality and arrangement of your color and
value made it hang together anyway. I guess we all see differently and respond differently! Very nice!
Liked it before but LOVE it now! Adding those darker values, the dark plum and the sharper shadow really took this to the next level. GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, finished piece. I just learned a lot, too.
ReplyDeleteLove it now...and thanks for all your lovely comments on my work :)
ReplyDeleteI like them both. I don't find the previous version boring or garish. I love it.
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