Boardwalk Reflections

[Karen Margulis]

Hi!
Here's my latest from a rainy trip to the NJ Shore. It rained the whole time but I did manage to take lots of seagull pictures. This one is 5 x 7 on Wallis. I zoomed in on this little gull surrounded by reflections of the colorful boardwalk buildings. I hope to do more gull paintings so any help or advice will be appreciated!
Karen

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Oct-2005/53551-art_008.jpg

[khourianya]

Ohhh, Karen, I love this lil guy!

My only concern with this is the bright yellow line...is it a rope? I am finding it really distracting on my screen, but it could just be my monitor here at work. I think it is a touch too bright, but I guess that depends on what it actually is. You might even be able to do without it if it isn't important to the overall painting.

You might also consider deepening the shadow under the gull.

Beyond that I think this looks great! I look forward to seeing more gull paintings (perhaps you could come to a critter nite at VPON and let us watch you do one!! :)

[Orchidacea]

Ah, the Jersey shore! I went there a lot in my college days. This does evoke some memories!

You've done a nice job here. I do agree with Cori--if you want the colors in your boards to read as reflections, then the gull needs a reflection as well. Also, the gull's reflection will help viewers realize that the other colors we're seeing ARE reflections, since we can't see the buildings that are causing them. Does that make sense? I've had a long day :).

You might try making the top line of the back a bit crisper--though I do like the softness you've got going here--and defining the legs just a tiny bit more.

I look forward to seeing more in this series.

[Natalie NZ]

Oh it does just look like a miserable rainy day for this little fellow.

[Pinecone Conniff]

I think you are getting some great advice here!
I like your use of color very much & your expressive strokes are perfect for creating character in your seagull!! :)
Please post your painting if you decide to make any changes...but don't over-think because I love this!! :D
Annette

[CindyW]

Karen, I LOVE the looseness of this and the colors throughout. I can tell it's a rainy day with the lighting and the reflective coloring.
Great for a very small piece, too!
Cindy

[tjhi]

Karen, this is so expressive. I love the way you have painted it. Please show it if you make any changes but I really like it the way it is.

Terry

[Karen Margulis]

Thank you all for looking and for your helpful advice! The yellow line is a line painted on the entire length of the boardwalk. I put it in because to me it says 'boardwalk' but I can see where it may not read properly. I did suggest the gulls reflection but I guess I need to add to it if it isn't showing up. I'm happy to read the comments about being loose and expressive since this was my goal! :)
Thanks again and now onto my next gull...a larger one this time!
Karen

[Nancy Leone]

Karen, I think you've captured that wet, hunched up seagull look very well! Nice little piece. Yes, do more!

[chookbrown]

Wonderful colours... I can feel a chill when I see this... great atmosphere!

Colleen :D

[Khadres]

Love the colors in the pier wood!

[Beanie]

This is really lovely. The yellow line is just a tad distracting but not enough to spoil it ... lovely colours and atmosphere, and the gull looks like gulls do! Plenty of attitude!

[Nicoclaus]

Ohhh, Karen, I love this lil guy!

My only concern with this is the bright yellow line...is it a rope? I am finding it really distracting on my screen, but it could just be my monitor here at work. I think it is a touch too bright, but I guess that depends on what it actually is. You might even be able to do without it if it isn't important to the overall painting.

You might also consider deepening the shadow under the gull.

Beyond that I think this looks great! I look forward to seeing more gull paintings (perhaps you could come to a critter nite at VPON and let us watch you do one!! :)

I agree ;)