Orchids

[Aleosha]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/09-24-2002/13485_Orchids_II.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/09-24-2002/13485_Orchids_II_detail.jpg


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Orchids
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Acrylic
Surface: Canvas
Dimension: 16 x 20
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
I used a photo taken at the orchids show as a source for this painting. I am still learning to work with acrylics (probably should take a class at some point!)

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
I would really appreciate feedback on the following:

1. Composition/color/linework
2. Feedback about acrylics as a medium - seems I am really working that paint hard! It just does not want to flow/blend, and if I use a retarder, the paint loses it's consistency and gets too watery!

Please help!

[ArtWench]

This is an interesting piece which very much resembles a stained glass window. In order to increase the effect (if this in fact is your goal), you need to add a touch more contrast to the leaves and flowers.

As far as blending with acrylic goes... I agree! It is difficult; however, you can borrow some techniques from the decorative painters in order to achieve a satisfactory blend.

Use a shader (square shaped bristle) to dip one corner in color A and the other corner in color B. Then gently stroke the brush on your palette until the two colors blend together satisfactorily. Now, apply the paint to your canvas. Once you get the hang of this, blending with acrylics becomes much easier.

The composition of of your painting is fine. I would like to see more contrast in values (which could come once shading becomes easier).

Good luck!

[Beach Baby]

I am really drawn to this type of work. I find it very remenisent of a silk painting in which a resist is used. Due to the inaccurate resolution of varying computer screens it is hard tp judge the blending and shading.

Since Blending and shading is so vital to your liking in a piece like this , have you ever considered watercolor for this subject. The confined lined areas would lend so well to wetting an area down and dropping in pigment and letting them do their stuff.

I like the colors although I'd like to see more variance in value in the centers of the orchids.

AS far a composition, I like the way the overall light reads. Very good representation of line and shape. Nice. I'd love to see the size reduced so that the entire piece shows on the screen. I get the impression that the painting is cropped by the limits of the scan and/or pixel size to screen ratio. Please post more!

[Aleosha]

Thank you both for your suggestions!

I will definitely make the center of the painting brighter, to get more value contrast!

Also, I have been using the 'double' loaded brush and it does make blending easier! Also, regarding the watercolors suggestion, I started out painting with watercolors, and now just wanted to try acrylics - I find it's easier to paint large canvas with acrylics than with watercolor!

I have also reduced the original 'orchids' painting to get the picture to fit on the screen, and have attached to this reply (hope it works!)

Thanks again,
Alla

[*Super_Snooper*]

I think you should make the colors a little brighter. And possibly try using a shade of green or many shades of greens for the backround. I like how you used the stained glass pattern.:)

[Aleosha]

Sorry I did not reply sooner...

Anyway, thank you for the suggestion - I did go ahead and make the colors brighter, whites whiter, etc ... Does make a difference! I have not gone back to change the background - too chicken to screw it up completely, but have been doing more varied backgrounds in the picture I am working on now.