Des's Doodlings (3 Viewers)

[desgreene]

I'm not sure whether this experiment should be filed under "waste of paper". Apart from whether or not it even works, I've not been able to properly match any areas of the water where I've had to make changes.

If I was to have another stab at it, I think paying more attention at the start to the composition of light and dark shapes in the water would pay off.

 

[Woody]

Wateris definately one of the hardest things to paint convincingly. It is an organic thing so don't try to contain it too much. Just let it do it's own thing and the results will be more satisfying. The water in this one does perhaps look a little 'stiff', where perhaps you've been trying a bit too hard? 'Use the force Des'. There's no reason not to 'have another stab at it' either, what's to stop you?

Although you may not be happy with this one, no painting is a waste of paper. If it goes into a drawer never to see the light of day, (and I'm not saying it should), you have learned something by the very process of creating it.
This has a lot of potential for a nice swirling composition with some strong colour and an unusual angle on the bird so don't give up on it!

Mike

 

[desgreene]

Mike, many thanks for taking the time to offer some advice on this. You are right of course, it is all part of the learning experience.

I'll stare at it for a bit longer and then decide whether to hide it away in a drawer or attack it with "the force" :t:

 

[nickderry]

to save time (got to paint this evening) I do agree with what Mike says about water - two things I might do, go more abstract - paint most of the tufty in black, - there seems to be a lot of dabbing at the colour on his head - black with a sweep of paler tone for form and he's done. Also the reflection may be a little distracting, may be worth understating it or losing it completely. Just my thoughts.

Now, the praise, I really admire the bold composition and swirling nature to it, and the form of the tufty is great.

 

[desgreene]

Interesting Nick. My missus told me off for adding the colour to the Tufty (was completely black). However, she pretty much hates the painting anyway!

Thanks, and enjoy your evening's painting!

 

[timwootton]

I looked at this earlier and didn't have time to comment. I think there's a huge amount to commend this piece - in places you have created glowing highlights so very convincingly (the bird's right 'shoulder' and the crown, for instance), but I agree that the overall structure of the bird would benefit from a somewhat bolder approach. If you were to have painted the bird with the same degree of polarisation as you have used on the water, changing dark blues, and mauve highlights. I think you'd have a real winner. As it stands, I still think the painting a very good one, but is let down by these tentative elements.
Either work back into this or try another version - there's real mileage here.

 

[desgreene]

Thanks Tim, for giving it the once over and coming up with those suggestions. I think I will press on with the polarised (good word Tim) version of this one.

Cheers,
Des.

 

[desgreene]

I've not posted anything for a bit, so here's a couple of recent sketches.

 

[buzzard12]

I've not posted anything for a bit, so here's a couple of recent sketches.

Hi Des, two lovely sketches. Blue tit in particular is a cracker, really well drawn, nice to see both of them on here, keep it up...

 

[nickderry]

love the loose feel to them, they're splendid.

 

[desgreene]

Cheers guys.... and one more.

 

[timwootton]

Great these Des - really heading in the right way! Great stuff!

 

[desgreene]

Thanks Tim. Much appreciated.

 

[EliS]

That blue tit is perfect!

Elina

 

[ARTHUR BISHOP]

Lovely sketches des

 

[desgreene]

Thanks Elina & Arthur.

My latest "work in progress" is a bit of a laugh. I've been having a first play with some palette knives. It looks like a nursery school painting accident, but at least it's fun to do!

Whether I'm brave enough to show it or not is the question! :eek!:

 

[desgreene]

Here's how "kindergarten paint fight" is coming along. It's due to cop for a Golden Oriole flying in amongst the trees, and some foreground brambles and vegetation if I get time over the weekend.

 

[nickderry]

a very rich scene - colours, textures, looking very good indeed, go for the oriole certainly!

 

[desgreene]

Latest version (or finished) not sure which. Who knows, a Dipper might come along?

 

[nickderry]

finished!and a beauty it is too - wouldn't add more or it'll be too full, the oriole is a wonderful touch.