First post

[dawnra]

Hi all,

Greeting to all from a first time poster.
I have not been brave enough to post any of my work on the forum before so here goes (Please don't be too hard on me). I am not sure where the reference photo came from as I painted this a number of years ago and cant remember. The size is 9" by 12" in oil on a cheapo canvas. Apologies for the quality of the photograph.



Regards to all

Mike

Ps. Not sure if I added the attachment correctly to the post

[dawnra]

Hi,

Here is another oil sketch 16" by 20". Getting the hang of attaching images now.

[dgford]

Welcome to the forum, Mike. Your images have come down well. I am not an oils painter so others will comment on that. In general, you have given us two very presentable works.
If I were you I would practise drawing and painting faces, especially the eyes and mouth. Study your own in a mirror and note the subtle changes of direction in the eyelids and how they sit in the cavity (orbit). My only other crit is the persistence of the drawing / outline lines.

I like your colour selection and use. We look forward to more from you.
Geoff

[dawnra]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for the kind words of welcome.
I shall take on board your comments relating to drawing faces (always a weak point I'm afraid). I tend to fudge when it comes to portraying a face and need to study and draw lots more to eventually get to a place where I get some accuracy. I'll make every effort in future to try to lose the lines (though I cant promise).

Thanks again.

Mike

[vmrs]

I like your strong use of color and shapes in the background. The first the head is a little small but well done all the same and the second, I really like the pose, the geometric shapes, it's quite good.
I actually do like the outlines. I think they work well with the colors and shapes. Gives it a sort of post impressionist feel.

[dawnra]

Hi Virginia,

I am glad you like the pictures. Both of these are a few years old but I am trying to get back to painting now after a long lay off (too long). I shall post some of my newer works soon and I hope I can learn from the comments of fellow WC'ers. Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to comment.

Mike

[carolkay]

I like the design element in the last one-- feel the first one is cramped ( Ive been guilty of that). I do agree ab out the lines around, theres a lot to say about a imphisis on line here and there. .
You may accept this or not accept it.--- But they both have good merit, and some nice aspects.

[dawnra]

Hi Carol,

Thanks for your reply. I agree the first is very cramped. I hope to learn from other members of the forum so all advice is welcome. I'll have to learn to drop the line a bit but old habits die hard. I shall post some more recent work soon (digital camera behaving itself of course) so I look forward to more advice from other members.

Regards

Mike

[kirants]

Welcome ! Good to see you come out of lurking. Two strong paintings and I can only guess how your newer ones will be. Some good advice above and hope to see more of your works here. Practise is key, draw or paint everyday, even if it is for 5 minutes.

[dawnra]

Hi Kiran,

Thanks for your words of welcome and encouragement. I will post more of my work shortly.

Mike

[Descartes]

I kind of like the outlines and the second one has particularly good composition. My suggestion would be to practice hands as I think they are letting you down overall.

[dawnra]

Hi Nathan,

I am trying to up the amount of time I spend drawing and painting. Will do some work and try to improve on my hands. Many thanks for the advice.

Mike

[Nonno]

Hi Mike,
Welcome to the group.

Jonathan

[dawnra]

Hi Jonathan

Thanks for the welcome.

Mike

[macrobertson]

both are very easy on the eye Mike and I particularly like your colours, composition and way you treated the second one, well worthwhile getting back to !

Mac