Two red apples

[Robert]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/01-20-2002/1759_apples2_WEB.jpg


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Two red apples
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Oil
Surface: Board
Dimension: 12
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
I'm trying to focus on working in blocks of color.
The shaded area of the upper apple is unresolved -blue perhaps too warm. Not too concerned about composition with these sorts of studies. This one was completed in about four hours, mostly with a #12 flat.

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
I need some helpful suggestions concerning white cloth and (subtle) "near, far" illusions.

[henrik]

The closest apple looks magnificent!

To make the white cloth look like it is white and made of cotton, you need to make the transitions of light and shadow much more smooth. I also think that there is too much saturated color in the cloth; it should be more gray.

In the attached image I have made the entire cloth area smoother, less saturated, and a tad brighter. In certain areas I shaped the light dark transitions further as the creases did not look natural.

I modified the overall hue of the cloth to a warmer blue. I modified the shape of the shadow of the closest apple, as it did not quite fit the apple shape.

I also made the shadows warmer - intense cold blue in shadows is what you find outdoors - indoors shadows are warm. You will also find a bit complementary color in the shadow - so I added some dark green.

You managed to create an illusion of depth by making the apple further away more blurred. Some overlap would add to the illusion of depth.

[Robert]

Thanks, Henrik! The cloth looks much better and I'll look for the warm colors and complimentaries in the shadows on the next one.

Appreciate it!

Bob