Something in color... - Page 2

**rugman** · #16 04-23-2012, 08:44 AM

Had fun scrolling down, seeing the development and reading your comments. Looking great. Our working techniques seem a lot alike.

djstar · #17 04-23-2012, 09:03 PM

Well, the chaps need fringing, the hooves need refining and I have to decide how to handle the background (hint... not TOO much) and the long shadow that fills the other side of the canvas. I hate this part. Lots of work but not much to show for it...
dj*

djstar · #18 04-23-2012, 10:38 PM

Washed in shadows...
Late now, colors are close but not good for painting.... sigh. Now most of the rest of the work is in my head...
dj*

djstar · #19 04-24-2012, 12:37 PM

Alright I am in panic mode.
I found an ill-fitting frame and it looks good with something to break the edges but in photos this is NOT looking right. On the easel it is big, has presence and I was thinking I was happy with the absent background. I did leave all of the edges unfinished or clean so I could put one in if needed and now I am completely unsure.

Question for everyone:
Is it strong enough with a flat background?

help...!
dj*

**jennaboo88** · #20 04-24-2012, 03:08 PM

This is looking good, Deb.

All in all, it's best to trust your artists' instinct. When I look at this, I wonder about a bit of color in the background, just to suggest some more background. That might be enough to make it work in the end...?

djstar · #21 04-24-2012, 04:36 PM

I know. My gut, in the studio says "cool" but when I photograph it, there is something missing.
I am pretty sure I will repaint the background. It is a thin glaze of burnt sienna. Nice tone. Sandy and Desterty but something just didn't hold it together.

Must STAY AWAY today, as life is interfering and get back tonight.
Thanks.... (I might show you some of my digital musings later.)
dj*

djstar · #22 04-25-2012, 02:03 AM

okay.... seriously, I cant decide.
This is a digital sketch I did from some photos of the scenery.
I can't really decide if it helps....

I want to keep it in the background. Really.... any input???
dj*

scatdaddy · #23 04-25-2012, 09:01 AM

my vote?.....sans b/g. Either way, this is one fine piece of work.

**jennaboo88** · #24 04-25-2012, 12:02 PM

It's hard to say...I like it both ways. Though the background does ground the subjects nicely, somehow it seems a bit less dramatic. Maybe just a hint of the ground textures beneath the subjects' feet to give them a little more weight would be all it would take.

djstar · #25 04-25-2012, 12:52 PM

Thanks both.
I know I have to put more surface around the shadow and might try taking a piece of clear plastic and painting around it! Nothing ventured nothing gained, and that way I don't screw up the WHOLE picture for good.
dj*

djstar · #26 08-05-2012, 02:21 PM

I actually showed this without the background in a two week display a month or so ago.
Because Mountain Oyster requires all new work, I just decided to go for it!
This is where I am putting in the environment for the gang. I THINK it will help, but as one always finds, as you adjust the surroundings, the subjects change. I hate straight lines but will work on the fencing as I get the surroundings in. I must say, I think my Maynard Dixonish clouds are pretty nice.....
dj*

Salute to our Partners