Bird of Paradise

[Candle]

I think that background leaf adds a lot to the painting. You could probably make the painting work without it, but I think having it there gives more depth, color variation, and interesting lines for the eye to follow. If you do decide to paint a new version, I hope you will post it for us to see!

[ourcassidy!]

I do think the back lead needs to be left in the composition. However Because of the color of that leaf it competes for the center of interest. I personally would like to see it a little toned down...not sure exactly how to go about this because I do like the striking blue against the leaf. Somehow it is seems too disconnected from the rest of the flower. Either way, Lovely work and a pleasure to view.

Pam

[faula]

great job with the colours

[gnu]

Originally Posted by ourcassidy!

I do think the back lead needs to be left in the composition. However Because of the color of that leaf it competes for the center of interest. I personally would like to see it a little toned down...not sure exactly how to go about this because I do like the striking blue against the leaf. Somehow it is seems too disconnected from the rest of the flower. Either way, Lovely work and a pleasure to view.

Pam

that leaf just needs more green in it, and less white

[aphid dew]

I say keep the leaf, as others have said, it adds to the composition. And I love the detail in the veins. I've never worked on colored paper before, but I'd like to try it. I wonder if it requires more layers of cp than white paper?
Suzanne

[douglass]

I also think you need that leaf...it balances the comp.

[LLKrueger]

Lynette, Suzanne, Jennifer, Pam, Petra, and gnu,

Thank you all for your feedback to my question re: the back leaf. And I'm sorry that I've taken so long to respond. I've been away for a week and I'm leaving again today for a long weekend. I have decided to do some more work with this image, based on our discussion.

So, the first thing I did was to redo the "painting" on white, without the back leaf. Here is that image:


What do you think of this image? I'm interested in your feedback on two things in particular: white vs. blue background, and no back leaf in this one.

My next step on this painting on white is to put in the back leaf so we can see the difference in the composition. I probably won't get back to that until next week, but expect it then.

I'm also reworking on original painting on blue a bit, trying to add more green to the back leaf as several of you have suggested. I had pretty much filled the tooth of the paper so this is a bit of challenge, but I'm working on it. I may get that completed this morning before I leave. If so, I'll post for your review.

Thank you so much for your feedback. You are helping me so much by providing both constructive feedback and encouragement.

Linda

[KarenESP]

Beautiful piece Linda

[angelina777]

Very nice done! As for me, the darker background worked better. The wite background give me some filling of an unfinished work, even it's done very well detailed. Can't wait to see if this filling changes when you add the back leaf to it.

[LLKrueger]

I have done some more experimenting. First of all, I added the back leaf on the white-background version of this painting. I tried to keep the color lighter so it would appear in the background. What do you think? Does the back leaf help or detract from this drawing?

Linda

[LLKrueger]

Then, as suggested by some of you, I went back to my blue-background version and added some green to the back leaf. I agree with your suggestion: this helps push it into the background and doesn't fight with the orange and blue parts so much.

Thanks to all of you for your comments, suggestions, and critiques. You have helped me grow through this project. You're the best!

Linda

[douglass]

Both gorgeous! Are you going to add a background to the white paper?

[LLKrueger]

Thanks, Lynette, for your compliment. Since I did the one on white paper as an experiment and I prefer the one on blue, I'm not going to spend any more time on this. I'm moving on to the monthly challenge; I'd like to get that done before the end of the month.

Linda

[gsloan]

This is very pretty, Linda. I like both versions, but the colors are really gorgeous on the blue background.

Gail

[LLKrueger]

Thanks, Gail. I also prefer the blue background.

Linda