Help with Magic and Bird

RCola lll · #1 06-24-2004, 09:27 PM

Hey everyone,
I accidentally posted this in oil first. I need help with fixing the background. I changed it because it was too plain for my liking. It is for my dad's birthday this weekend so I need any help that I can get. I would appreciate any critiques and ideas to fix it. It is acrylic 2X2. Anything will help.

Ricky

HRH Goldie · #2 06-25-2004, 11:34 AM

Hi,
First of all your painting is great and I think that the sky should be left - I like it. The only part of the background that niggles at me is right of the figures. I guess this is part of the pitch or ground but further off with the inclusion of spots? I don't like this. The ground in foreground and underfoot of players works really well and I personally would lose the lights - I don't think the painting needs it.

Bet your Dad will be made up with this - well done

Christine

tentativeartist · #3 06-25-2004, 01:31 PM

I'm sure your dad will love this! I'm going to give my mom a painting today and I'm so nervous! lol Anyway, I like the background and think you did a wonderful job on the players also. One thing though, is the inside of the ankle on the Celtics player's left leg (the one raised) seems a little off... I don't have a reference though so I could be completely wrong.

What a wonderful birthday present!

Tiffany

RCola lll · #4 06-25-2004, 04:50 PM

Thanks for the comments Christine and Tiffany,
Interesting, I recieved different comments on the background from the people in the oil forum. Yall like it, they don't. I like it, just think it doesn't fit well enough. Not sure whether I'm keeping it or not. Anyway, Christine, those sketches on the right will be covered soon enough. I'd like to lose the lights but for some reason I want to put them in, but make them much better of course. Tiffany, yes i see what you mean about the ankles. I didn't get to the feet yet because portions of the photo were taken up by logos so I just left them for last.
I mentioned this in the oil forum, but I still need to put in the ground shadows, clean up the lines, tree silhouettes in the background, erase/fix the court lights, clean up the pavement (looks like chalk instead of spotlight), and put in some silhouetted birds. Any other comments, ideas, suggestions are welcome again. Thanks!
Ricky

tentativeartist · #5 06-25-2004, 07:41 PM

Sounds like you have a good handle on what you want to do.

I like the background because it's not typical, I like different.

If you wanted something else, you could do something with stands full of people. They wouldn't have to be very detailed to give the effect of a packed house.

Please post an update when you get more work done.

Tiffany

RCola lll · #6 06-26-2004, 01:19 AM

Hello again,
Here is a close to finished update. I know I went a little crazy with the birds, but I do admire Hitchcock.

I need to know how it looks and if there are any obvious problems. Still gotta paint the feet.

Ricky

tentativeartist · #7 06-26-2004, 08:42 AM

Looking good!

The shadows on the ground add more depth and I really like that you softened the light in the background. It seems to fit the painting better and not distract from the players. The birds behind Bird's head are bothering me a little though... Particularly the one by his shoulder, it almost looks as though he's sprouting a wing. Of course, that's just one person's opinion.

I'm sure your dad will love it.

Tiffany

VeldaJ · #8 06-26-2004, 08:46 AM

I like this Ricky and I'm sure your Dad will too. For me, your background works well. It turns it from a photographic image into a picture which challenges the viewer to look beyond the obvious. Interesting, individual and well painted. I like the way you've muted the lights too. They now add depth to the picture without drawing the eye out to the side.

For my money, fix the feet and you've got a real winner.

HRH Goldie · #9 06-26-2004, 10:18 AM

I really like this - don't understand the link between characters and birds mind - but that is probably a private thing

I like the background now - well done.

Christine

RCola lll · #10 06-26-2004, 03:03 PM

Well, finished product here. I don't like it all that much but I have to leave it cause today's my dad's birthday. The background really bothers me, especially the birds, but I felt that I needed something back there. The more I stare at it though, the more I accept it. I put the birds in there for the obvious allusion to Larry Bird.

Even the shadows on the ground don't look good enough for me; I have trouble with making up shadows, always have. Even though I might not like it all too much, my dad will and that's all that matters in this case. Thanks for the comments everyone.

Ricky

HRH Goldie · #11 06-26-2004, 06:37 PM

Don't know if you have adjusted the way you have taken pic but this is terrific now. Sorry I didn't get the bird thing - I am from UK you know

Once you've given it to your Dad and when you see it a couple of months down the line you will probably think - "Wow - I painted that and now I can't see why I didn't like it".
I think we are all sceptical of our own work whilst we are busy with it and immediately afterwards.
Well done - Best wishes to your Pop.

Christine

ExpressiveAngie · #12 06-26-2004, 07:05 PM

Cool painting and concept...be sure and tell us what your dad says about it.

RCola lll · #13 06-27-2004, 10:53 PM

Went back home and gave the painting to my dad. My dad loved it and I suppose that is all that matters. I am happy I am done with it so I can start on a new one. And like you said Christine, I can forget about it and come back to it later to enjoy it. Thanks to everyone for the help!
Ricky

Salute to our Partners