Reclining nude...

[digitalis]

Hi Folks

This is a very recent oil on canvas done mostly from a life study in acrylic. The model's feet were positioned slightly differently and made for some awkward interpretation. Also she was perched on some cushioned boxes which I replaced with a bed, I liked the idea of a contrast between the cool of the doona and the warmth of the skin.
Oil on canvas 500mm x 880mm.
Comment welcome!
I was considering including this in an exhibition I am having in Brisbane in November - I forget where to post invitations - I will put one here if that's cool...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Oct-2009/99784-nude-on-bed1.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Oct-2009/99784-09-invite1.jpg

[Journeyman]

Hi David thanks for the invite but a bit far for me to make it. Great setting for the model :wave: Dave

[bethanyt]

Beautiful, David. Hope all goes well for your exhibition... Wealth and fame will surely follow!

[jjackm]

doona?

[Nonno]

Yay, another excuse to visit sunny Queensland!

There is an air of mystery about your painting. What has she been up to? Is she a victim of foul play? How does a single shoe tie in with an open book?
I really like your composition here, and the picture engages me, but I think that the bed spread (doona?) being brighter than the figure gives it a sinister feel.

You mentioned difficulties with her feet. I think that you need to do a bit more work on them. To me they look too big, and not quite right. The best way to describe it is that she looks to have a feminine body but masculine feet! Hope that makes sense!

All the best for your exhibition.

Jonathan.

[Joe Rucker]

without being able to see it in person it is difficult to say if some details might be off. from the screen though, i wouldnt touch it. continuing to work that area at this point will be extremely difficult.

[roy-p]

Beautiful control of mid-tone values! And best wishes on your upcoming show :thumbsup:

[macrobertson]

Congratulations on another exhibition Dave... looks like a good presentation too... and any photos and news will be welcome here!

You certainly got some impressive detail into the doona!
I like the bottom half of the painting best, the shoe, the study of the hands and arm against the glow of the fabric... my feeling is that the rest is a little busy.

Mac

[trevors]

Looks good David ,if Dave will give me a lift in his boat I would love to come and see the exhibition :thumbsup:

[Michaelmcg]

Hi David,

I really like this and am intrigued by the brushwork - would love a close up!

Michael

[digitalis]

Thanks Dave - I appreciate that!

Much appreciated Bethany, thank you kindly!

Hi jjackm - I don't know the spelling but it's the bedspread!

Thanks for your feedback Jonathon, I'm pleased you found some hints of narrative and mystery in the picture. I would love to say that there is some meaning and deep significance attached to the shoe and the book...but there is not! Hopefully it just helps to show someone at their ease, in an unguarded moment. The shoe and book are positioned to help steer the viewers eye through the composition.
The bedspread colour was intentional so as to offer a contrast of cool against warm - the hint of texture (hopefully) coming across a bit like ripples in a tropical sea - a bit subtle I know but there it is!
I had a good look at her feet and had my wife put her feet in the same position and found I probably wouldn't make any structural changes - I realize that the unrefined brushwork may be distracting - I will look at that.
Thanks for your good wishes!

Hi Joe - I certainly chose a tricky pose to translate! In reality her feet were crossed, and in painting them I found that it looked tense and awkward, so My wife adopted a similar pose with easier feet and I went from there - I would be very reluctant to do them again!

Thank you roy-p - I did my best but it was some challenge for sure!
Thanks for your good wishes!

Thanks mac - I am a bit nervous! The doona was a challenge - I ended up plotting the pattern with chalk after the underpainting had dried and then doing glazes to heighten and lower the texture.
Regarding the business at the top, I did a few thumbnails in photoshop to settle on a composition and found that this arrangement just sort of worked itself out so while I am reluctant to remove anything I may look at the relative brightness.

Hi Trevor - I am sure you can twist his arm - it's not far!

Hi Michael - here's a closeup...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Oct-2009/99784-nude-detail.jpg

[Adair_P]

Hi David...... I would love to see this in person, and hopefully I'll be able to get there. I love how you are 'drawing' with the brush, as if with pastel.

[digitalis]

Hi Pauline - it would be lovely to meet you...I hope you can make it!
I guess you are right with the drawing comment - I seem to have more affinity with lines and hatching when it comes to figures - they can be difficult to paint!