Mouse House

[Fagan]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/03-05-2002/2383_mouse_house.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/03-05-2002/2383_mouse_house_close.jpg


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Mouse House
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Watercolor
Surface: Watercolor Paper
Dimension: 10x14 in
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
This is watercolor with ink detailing. I was going for a whimsical look. It was a cold and dreary day and I had nothing else to do but work on this cheery painting.

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
IN your opinion, is this good enough for illustration of a children's story? What could make it better?

[greencook]

Fagan,
Before I even read your question I was saying to myself "this looks like and illustration for a children's book". The only "improvement" I can think of would be to add your mouse character - maybe peeking through the window in the door.
If this were part of a children's book I could easily envision it as something I'd like to read with my kid on a cold blustery winter day to dispell the gloom.

Have a great day! :)

[bruin70]

as green mentioned,,,,,,,,at some point you will have to bring in characters, and your effort will depend on THAT......{M}

[Fagan]

Greencook ...it was a very blustery, rainy cold day when I worked on this. I think that is why I painted this...to help dispell the gloom.

Bruin70...the background is easy...the characters...not so easy. I am not sure why I have this roadblock set up in my brain.

[mjkohler]

Fagan, I am sure you will manage the characters beautifully. Excuse the fuzziness, I needed to photograph on macro. I hope these help you on your way. mjk:)

[Fagan]

MJK...thank you....the picture you posted is not coming up for me. ??

[mjkohler]

how strange. do you have a red x. I suffer from the red x from time to time and have no idea where they come from.

I can still see the picture myself. mjk

[LarrySeiler]

Your illustration here is remarkable...

what I would like to see though, is something that separates foreground more from background....using color temperature to help young eyes get a better sense of depth.

For example...if the villarge is a key focal point...with its warm colors, I'd like to see the mushroom and foreground leaves cast in more shadow...cooler darker colors that really sets it apart from the background.

Other than that....I think this is fantastic!

Larry

[Fagan]

MJK...*LOL* I must be tired...I was sitting here trying to figure out what in the world you were talking about ...a red X??????????? *LOLOL*.....jeeeze...then it comes to me.
I was able to see the picture once...then the dreaded red X took over again.

Larry...a very very good point! It is all of a sameness...nothing really that focuses the eye. It is nice having another pair(s) of eyes to help see things.