Spring Contemplation ~ FINISHED

[marieUK]

Thank you Elaine and Vanity, I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and encourage me.
This is todays update which has involved the stressful job of trying to do my figure. As some of you already
probably realise this is my first nude figure as up until very recently I didn't do people.....yes I like a
challenge So please feel free with the help. I've included a close up of the figure, even though its early
days. She is however quite a tiny figure as the whole thing is 11 x 16 inches.
You'll probably all be relieved to know that as I go back to work tomorrow the next update could be a while
but please keep any suggestions coming.

[bib]

Originally Posted by marieUK

You'll probably all be relieved to know that as I go back to work tomorrow the next update could be a while

No, I am accustomed to see your piece growing every day
The figure looks already good, the lower leg and the foot could perhaps be a bit thicker. I like her facial expression.
----------------
Angela

[ArtbyPeggy]

This is coming along beautifully and no you can't go back to work if it means not updating for awhile !

[marieUK]

Angela - thanks for being on this journey with me. I can see just what you mean about the lower leg and foot and I will have a go at sorting it out
Peggy - thanks for the encouragement
I'm writing this in the few minutes I've got before going to work, all good things must come to an end and so it is with holidays guys

[lizzydo]

This is coming along beautifully! The only thing I would suggest is that you have a lot of midtones and shadows on the figure - don't forget about the highlights.

[marieUK]

Thanks for the compliments Lizzydo and for the advice. I will certainly be looking into the highlights

[Northern Lass]

How long has this taken so far Marie ? You've got a lot going on in this picture... the trees are superb, and as Lexycat has already said.. the foliage is VERY good. KEEP AT IT GIRL!!

Ange
x

[KarenESP]

coming along outstanding (:

[marieUK]

Thanks Ange and Karen for stopping by with words of encouragement. To answer your question Ange, it was probably about 6hours on the initial sketch and then another couple to transfer it onto good paper. Once I got it on the paper I've spent about 3-4 hours a day over 10 days but now I'm back at work progress will be much slower.

[Jazz]

I am back from Easter and look at the progress you have made -you put me to shame .

I agree with Angela with regards to her legs and feet but I love how you have captured her stomach and abdomen. And yes her face is angelic . I wish I had a figure like that . I agree about the range of values on the figure but I also would watch your value range on the overall piece. My reason for saying this is that when I saw the initial sketch I imagined much more distance between the foreground and background, it has closed in somewhat and I do think if you introduced some cooler tones to the foliage it would push the background back......Can you see what I mean or am I making little sense? I wouldn't be surprised if I am waffling I have chocolate fever....ie too much of it .

I truly admire your ability to create from your imagination and at such a believable level .

Sorry you had to go back to work as with everyone else I have really enjoyed your regular progress shots -I guess I will just have to be patient from now on... .

Hugs,

Ali

[marieUK]

Thanks Ali for taking the time to put all your thoughts down for me, I really do value your opinion. I too wish I had a figure like that, its definitely in no way a self portrait
When it comes to the background I am unsure how much success or failure it is at present because of the way I work. I have to work one small portion at a time and so I won't be able to fully judge colours and values till I've worked on it all . I have tried the all over approach but I just can't work that way, I wish I could but I can't, I find it paralysing. I may not succeed at all in what I'm trying to achieve which is a sort of grotto type effect, showing some distance but also quite an enclosed place. I've chosen quite cool greens for the background and I'm hoping it will all balance up when I do all the warmer foreground. As I said at the beginning this really is a huge experimental voyage of discovery, so . Hoping to do some more this weekend.
Thank you again Ali.

[marieUK]

Now we are at the weekend I can put up another update....love weekends This is what I managed last night. I think I've pretty much finished my lady figure and now comes lots of work on the foreground and drawing lots of grass.
Please carry on letting me know what you think, it really really helps

[objectivistartist]

very interesting seeing this progress..........and progress so well...

[ArtbyPeggy]

Loving the progress on this Marie!
Weekends are fantastic aren't they
Have fun painting

[johanneL]

this is turning out to be really good ! at first I didn't "see" it, : )
but now I really love it...can't wait to see your foreground