Composition in Apples

[cobalt fingers]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/07-14-2002/6196_Apple_Basket.JPG


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Composition in Apples
Year Created: 1996
Medium: Oil
Surface: Linen
Dimension: 14x11
Allow digital alterations?: No, please :)

MY COMMENTS:
Just a little still-focued on red/green and shapes and spaces-negative spaces and composition

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
All remarks of interest

[JustjoGA]

OMG! All these wonderful textures in one beautiful painting. I love the old milk can, the basket and the jug.... the apples look good enough to eat.

[Bellydanser]

The composition is very well conceived. I particularly like the use of light and shadow here, and the wonderful contrast.

[atiera]

Breathtaking reds - I ESPECIALLY love that, no matter how dark your reds - you didn't lose the reds to the shadows!! Excellent! I love the different woods used .. the basket and the floor! The one old and worn, the other new and fresh!

The milk jug adds a dimension of warmth and continuity that you wouldn't have otherwise, very nicely chosen and rendered!!

The only "critique" I could humbly offer is - the floor gets lost on the left side of the basket of apples. Personally, I wouldn't suggest it follow through all the way to the left side of the canvas - BUT if it (the floor) could be extended a bit BEHIND the basket of apples, I think it would 'anchor' the painting a little better.

Absolutely astounding work - please post more!!

[MKathleen]

This is really well done and your drawing and painting ability shows. Congratulations on your Oil Painters of America signature membership which is not an easy one to come by.
There is one object that bothers me and that is the red apple in the center foreground. This is purely my design thought but I would move it up and to the right of the second red apple from the bottom. I think it would open the pathway transition leading from the front edge of the table to the rear back edge of the table. I also would like to see the center foreground red apple closest to the basket as a green apple.
All the elements are placed so well I really hesitated to critique this wonderful painting. I kept coming back to it several times so-- I thought well she wants feedback or she wouldn't have put it in the 'Structured Critique'.
I would be very interested as to your thought process on putting your composition together.
Best,
Kathy

[Fagan]

Beautiful work! I like the two kinds of apples and the milk can. If I was to be nit picky...it would be that the basket could have some lighter areas....(not the apple reflections but the actual wood colors). The reason I say this is that the can being lighter value is behind the darker mass of basket and apples...which gives (to my eye) a push me pull you effect.. *LOL* maybe it is just my eyes. Technically it is very well rendered! Your painting ability is outstanding!

[Bellydanser]

Congratulations on your article and feature cover on Artist's Magazine. As soon as I opened my mailbox, I recognized the cover from the snipet of your icon. I have not read through it yet, but your skill and creative knowledge are very evident from your work. :)

[Linda Ciallelo]

Color use is superb. I love your soft edges, I like the way the objects get lost in the shadows. Excellent lighting. I can't find anything to improve here. I think this is one of your best peices.