looking for feedback

[lori99320]

I think I like this, but I'm wondering if the background is too faded? Or is it the tree and canoe are too strong? Any comments or suggestions are very welcome!

[jmac]

Hello Lori. Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I qualify to critique but here are a few thoughts. First, I think you have created a nice sense of distance with the fading background. I'm not particularly bothered by the contrast with the foreground. And you have also created a brilliant light in the sky. There are a couple things that bother me when looking at the work compositionally. The dark area in front of the dock doesn't read well for me. I'm not sure what it represents. While you have a strong light source the tree is not casting a shadow and also because of the strong light from behind and right of the boat I would expect there to be more shadow where the boat meets the ground. And last instead of having the lake end at the tree trunk you might consider continuing it a little behind and to the left of the tree.

I'm being kind of nit-pisky probably but those are my thoughts on what is a nice painting. I'm sure there are others here who can offer a more educated perspective.

[lori99320]

Thank you so much jmac! That is just the kind of feedback I was looking for, looking at the painting and what your impressions are! The dark area in front of the dock was supposed to be a path, but now that I've taken it out I can see it was just a distracting muddy mess. I took your suggestions and here is how it looks now...I think it is more pleasing to the eye. At least it is to me. Thanks again!!

[jmac]

Wow! I think that looks very nice...One small thing...Again because of your strong light source you might consider darkening the shadow under the dock. It would help anchor it and make it look more like it is above the water rather than floating on it.

You handled that area in front of the dock very well and the boat is much more integrated into the scene. Extending the lake beyond the tree trunk gives the eye some place to leave the painting and come back in. Nicely done!

[lori99320]

Again...thanks so much for your feedback jmac, it was extremely helpful. So I think I'm finished with this one now.

[stevemawmv]

Hello Lori,
I've watched your progress and agree with our friend Jmac,"wow" your tweeks have
resulted in a well balanced and nicely painted landscape...
Along with your improvements you've also done a great job on the boat slants and the distant treeline. You were well advised with his
suggestions.
Again, nicely done!
Steve

[elainep]

I agree with all of the above. I like the soft, less contrasty background gives depth to your painting.

[lori99320]

Thank you so much stevemawmv! Yes, jmac had some wonderful suggestions. Nothing like a different pair of eyes to get some fresh insight.

Thanks elainep!

[NickBussy]

Nice to see the development process. Good response and result! Well done

[Danny Greene]

I like it very much.
The only thing I would say is that one the left bottom corner, I feel it should be a little darker.
D.