Beach Shadows WIP - Need Help!

[backlash]

Hi all,
Here's this morning's effort - had a hard time photographing it for some reason, but you'll get the idea... 18 x 12 on Wallis museum, lots of softies:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-May-2008/125812-beach_shadows_for_wc.jpg

not sure about this one - I can see the fence shadows in the back aren't at the right angle, they need to go uphill more, but what do you think about the rest?? The dark parallel shadows to the left are jeep tracks but I don't think they read right. Any suggestions greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Leslie

[water girl]

Brrrrrr. That water looks cold! I'm not bothered by those shadows that concern you. It just looks like uneven terrain. Nicely done!

[chatfieldstudios]

Lovely piece and it does indeed look cold. I'm not bothered by the shape and placement of the shadows or the jeep tracks.

What does strike me is how strong the shadows are and the light of the painting seems more like an overcast day. Just my observation:)

[Donna T]

This is a complicated subject Leslie and I think it looks very good. As long as the fence shadows in the foreground look right, and to me they do, I don't think you need to worry too much about the shadows farther back. Our eyes wouldn't be seeking out those details in real life, right? The tracks don't bother me. Would you like them better if you hinted at them in the distance too, so we would know for sure what they are? Not sure if you want more detail back there though.

Donna

[PeggyB]

Leslie the jeep tracks look as though they are going right through the fence on their right side - maybe that's bothering you? The other shadows don't bother me, but you are right, those further back could be just a bit longer and going slightly uphill.

I'm not sure the jeep tracks need to be there at all. There are a lot of lines in that area, and it gets a bit confusing to look at. I'm not too good at using the new Photoshop, but here's what it might look like without the jeep tracks:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-May-2008/68149-125812-beach_shadows_for_wc_-_reworked.jpg

I don't have the value of the sand correct, but you can hopefully see what I'm talking about.

Part of what I like so much about this scene is it looks so cold and lonely. the jeep tracks "populate" it, and take away this feeling for me. I love the way you've painted the water and grasses.

Peggy

[NickyW]

Hi Leslie, i think your painting is gorgeous, i like it without the tyre tracks, all in all its lovely and very well done..with or without the tyre tracks.

[Colorix]

I too like it without the tracks, but if you want to keep that evidence of humans passing through (a nice touch IMHO) the lower track needs to be moved upwards so it passes behind the fence, and the lower track should be slightly wider than the upper track. Both should get more pale as they recede.

But, I do like the lonly abandoned mood of the trackless version. It is a wonderful painting. The sand is awsome, and the grasses too. Brrr, it is cold and windy.

[backlash]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. I took your advice and got rid of the tracks:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-May-2008/125812-Beach_shadows_final_for_wc.jpg


I think it works better without them, and I'm calling this finished (just to get it out of my sight!) and moving on...

again, thanks!
Leslie

[frysy]

Nice work Leslie, i agree with the move to rid the tyre marks. It looks like a place you would go with the rug, sit and contemplate. I haven't tackled a seascape to date. Still trying to get the right photo. Again lovely job.Shez

[paul444]

Leslie,

A beautiful scene well painted.

[dvantuyl]

Leslie, this is a VERY nice painting. It improved when you removed the tired tracks. Great work on the sand and fence. Thank you for sharing. Donna

[Adiro]

Really nice, I love the last version better!

[PeggyB]

Very nice finish Leslie. You are a strong painter. :)

Peggy

[qpdoll]

This looks so real. .... I like it with or without the tracks! :)

[bnoonan]

Try a little cool in that shadow. I realize it may not be there but it may dance the eye around from the water to the grass a tiny bit more.

Love your work - and again... wish I were there!

Oh hey - have you ever read Ahab's Wife (the book)?

Barb

[CindyW]

I like the coolness overall in this and the simple palette.
Very nice!

Cindy

[backlash]

Thanks everyone! I'm not thrilled with this one, but you're making me feel better about it. Barb, the photo doesn't show it, but the shadows are actually the same dark blue as the shadows in the water... they look warm and brown in the photo. And I haven't read Ahab's wife, but did read the author's first book about whaling on Nantucket (can't remember the title.) The islands' history is pretty fascinating...

Thanks again,
Leslie

[binkie]

I really like this. Well done.

binkie

[scall0way]

Yeah, I looks finished to me too. Very nice beach scene. I agree that removing the jeep tracks is an improvement. I like the wilder, lonelier feel to it. Though I sure as heck would love to take a nice walk along that beach and leave my footprints. :)

[Trilby]

Wow. I love this and am glad you lost the tire tracks it puts more focus on the fence and shadows. The simple palette works well with the complexity of line in this piece. Put it aside. Later it may grow on you and you too will see how really lovely it is.
TJ

[IdahoHat]

Lovely. Just remember, when others look at the painting, they have no idea of the agonizing over the details you went through. It is very nice to look at. This has encouraged me to do a beach painting I've been putting off fro some time. Took several photos at Myrtle Beach and they are still waiting for me to paint one of them.

[Paulafv]

Lovely painting. Love your water, sand and grass. Like the last version best.
Reminds me of Marshfield, RexHam Beach, when I was small, before they allowed building nearer the shore and the dunes were still pristine and warm to run up and slide down and escape the cool breeze off the water. I nearly floated off to England in an inner tube before my aunt swam out to rescue me...not yet a swimmer.

The Vineyard has some excellent beaches and the water is warm in the summer, even now probably not over 50 degrees. (Too cold for me yet.)