First time to share here...be gentle :)

[designergigi]

This was my first painting. It was started in Italy, and finished from memory when I returned home.
It is acrylic on paper.

I welcome your comments.

Thanks, Gigi

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2002/Apr28389.JPG

[designergigi]

Here's another that is based on the blue gondolas in Venice...


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2002/May07414.JPG



The camera shows the building on the right to be rather pink. It isn't pink, rather a brighter yellow.

Thanks,
gigi

[CarlyHardy]

Hi Gigi! and welcome to the plein air group! Painting outside is a surprise and a big change for anyone who is used to painting in the studio! so wherever you're at in your adventure...we love having you share your work!

You captured the essence of both scenes! so just keep on painting!
carly

[Wayne Gaudon]

Welcome .. hey, it's a whole lot better than my first. Hang on to it as it will be a good measuring stick for you in the future.

[designergigi]

Thanks for the support. Here's a little of my other paintings:

The first is of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2002/Gigi_Luxembourg_Jardin_Paris.JPG


And, another in my efforts to improve...a copy of a Monet at the Musee Marmotten:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2002/Luxembourg_Jardin_by_gigi_in_Monet_style.JPG

I welcome any thoughts, observations, ideas.
thanks,
gigi

[LarrySeiler]

Your Monet copy is very nice, Gigi.... Italy has a charm about it. My wife would like me to take her there sometime.

The stop is out, you're on the flow....
don't stop it now! Things will get better and better!!!! Very cool....welcome now officially to the plein air forum.

Larry

[designergigi]

Thanks, Larry. I like the copy of the Monet, too.

BUT, what do you think is going on with my other paintings? Too heavy? Too worked? Not enough change in values? I was "playing" when I did the first two, just experimenting and having fun.

I really would like to get your thoughts, folks. I am here to improve and appreciate your time.

Thanks,
G

PS. Larry, with your attitude, I just know you are going to take your wife to Italy. :)

[walden]

Hi, Gigi, & welcome! Here are a few things I notice:

In your first painting of Italy, it looks to me like the fence-posts ought to be standing up straighter, more or less parallel with the tree trunks. Plus, it's really hard to make a road or path going almost directly away from the viewer like that look right-- I should know, I just tried it, and it didn't work. :)

In your Venice painting, the first building on the left looks extremely realistic to me, a lot like I remember-- the different colors in the plasterwork, the aging. I would have expected the other buildings to show more of that unevenness & texture-- it seems like the Italians don't re-paint too often, and that's gives a huge amount of charm to their buildings.

Anyway, these are great first efforts, keep it up! And, don't they make wonderful memories of your trip?

[designergigi]

Lisa, I thought the same thing about that path. I didn't have a lot of time and really should have just put less on my paper. The path doesn't really work for me, either. I think I was more interested in getting the gorgeous colors of Tuscany than anything. I am glad I have it, however. :) It does bring back pleasant memories...

Carly, thanks for saying I captured the essence. I think the Venice painting is much better than the first. You are so right about appreciating them as momentos of the trip.

Wayne, thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate your comments.

[DLGardner]

Gigi, welcome to WC!

I love your colors! You have a unique style and carry it through very well.

You are also very fortunate to have gone to Italy and especially to have been able to paint there. Perhaps someday I too should go...

Nice work.

Dianne

[designergigi]

Dianne

Thanks for saying I have a unique style. That's what art is, isn't it? The challenge seems to be, how does one improve without destroying that style? Experimentation?

I like the painterly flow of the Impressionists, particularly Pisarro and Cezanne. Only through the study of their paintings and the attempts to emulate what I like that they have done, have I been able to teach myself.

I am at a point, however, where I need some help to move farther along. Unfortunately, I live in a remote area where there seems to be a limited number of artists. So, even though I have been to Italy, I wish I live nearer more artists. :(

I hope you get your wish to go to Italy. It is a remarkable country. Perhaps I should organize a plein aire study week there? I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast this last trip. Talk about inspiration! If you travel right, it is affordable.

My pictures are at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/designergigi

I have been enjoying your posts, Dianne. Keep up the great work.

Gigi

[tuatara]

Hi Gigi,

I'm new to this forum too and am enjoying seeing all your posts. I think your Monet copy is charming and like the stronger colours of Venice, but my favourite is the one which shows the Italian landscape which you did from memory. Lovely palette! Looking forward to seeing lots more.

regards Pam:)