Erie Canal Locks

[momsyward]

Another local picture. I live in New York a few minutes from the Erie Canal. This is a watercolor painting of one of the locks here. Hence, the city I live is called Lockport because we have many canal locks. Thanks for viewing and I appreciate your wise advice.

[taghera]

Nice one, but I think it would benifit from a greater range of tonal values. :)

[els]

Nice to see this other side of the city. Agree with taghera that more values would increase this one...

[jaytee]

I really like this.................it has real character and I think you have chosen a really interesting architectural composition and then added an intriguing figure as a 'storyline' and focal point.

My suggestion would be not to have the very strong vertical block of architecture right in the middle of the picture...... and perhaps remove or soften that splash of orange under the lh window... it leads the eye away from the main focus of interest

i have taken the liberty of cropping the pic to show what I mean

[Flattwo]

Its good to record places of local interest on paintings in my opinion.

The painting is nice but I agree with taghera the tonal values could be more varied.

Regards

Flattwo

[momsyward]

Thanks all for the great comments and suggestions. This is the best way I know how to learn is by your good advice.

[Quan Tran]

Nice painting! Very realistic! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[ripvanblair]

yes I agree with the rest some tonal difference would work-------Alan

[MKathleen]

momsyward, everyone has given you some very good suggestions.

Best,
Kathy:D

[CarlyHardy]

What is the orange colored shape beneath the window on the left? You could use more of that color in the overall painting. I also think that one lone figure gives this a sense of isolation (sort of the maiden in the tower feel) More figures added in the foreground would be nice.

The suggestion about values would give this a more realistic look. Where is the light source?
carly

[wilkinsonart]

MM, I am sure you have got the drift by now - more variation and contrast would help enhance your painting. If I may suggest, if you are using a tube black, try obtaining one by using a triad: red, blue and yellow - a combination of these 3 will give you a dark grey to black. This will allow you to vary the tone of black. You can lean it darker [ with more ultra blue] lighter [ with yellow]. Obviously, more water in areas of the same wash will also help to remove the samey look. These are just suggestions. Nice picture. Keep at it and keep posting.

[Studio224]

I like the composition and I find this subject very original. But to me it looks like an underpainting or grisaille...

Since the walls are white, they should reflect all the colors around... from the sky, from the water, from people passing by...

I would boldy go for much more colours....

AClaire

[marcelo_camera]

Very good, but you could use more contrast...