rodeo

[Susan_G_Shaw]

I have been working on this watercolor of a rodeo event. I managed to get the main image OK, but now I am nervous about adding background - I always ruin the image when it comes to background. Anyway, I thought I would share. C&C welcome, as always.
Susan
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Aug-2007/100909-catching_a_runaway.jpg

[sassybird]

Boy have I witnessed this scene often.....lol You gotta love rodeos. What color paper did you use on this and what is the size? I would just suggest a fence in the background with dust flying up around the horse and rider to give the fence a shadowy appearance.

[Old Tex]

Good suggestion from Charissa. Keep it simple. If you do much of this kind of thing, take a look at the abstract backgrounds Chris Owen uses. I don't have a website address handy, but you can just google his name.

[Diane Cutter]

I'd keep it simple, too... Just a faint hint of a horizon possibly, letting the viewer decide if it's at a rodeo or elsewhere. The main focus is the interaction of the calf and rider.

I like the composition with the open space on the left. It will work very well once you have the background issue solved. I also like the strong shadows... at least, I assume they will be strong shadows from working out in the sun.

Diane

[DesertDarlene]

I think Charissa made a very good suggestion, I wouldn't overdo this either.

Thanks for the idea about Chris Owen, Ralph. I've looked at his artwork and I think it might be something I might work to incorporate into my work as well.

[Susan_G_Shaw]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the idea of hinting without actually making a statement. I have tried to get detailed in the backgrounds before, and ruined the whole thing.

Ralph, thanks for the reference to Chris Owen's work - that is a great way to finish this.

It is on white watercolor paper, 11x14
Susan

[birdhs]

The few times I was actually at an event like this all I remember is focusing on the action, and the incredible amount of dust! Swirls of dust make a simple but effective back round, hints sof a fence covereed with dust is effective also. great start. It pleaseth thine eyes,

[birdhs]

The few times I was lucky enough to actually be at an event like this my memory seems to be of watching the action and the cowboys, and an incredible amount of dust! I might suggest swirls of dust as a simple but effective choice for the backround, and adding perhaps a dust covered fence if you feel it is really required. This is a great start! It pleaseth thine eyes.

[Mikki Petersen]

Well, it's beautifully done as is. Why not crop it and call it done?

Mikki