something a little different.

Matt Cooper · #1 10-06-2003, 06:16 PM

Hello everyone.

Here is my latest painting. I did it this afternoon.

I used acrylics for the first time and have to say that I really like the clean up process a lot better than oils.

Oils still have something about them, so I won't probably do too many more in acrylics.

11 x 14 inch panel.

I don't think I could call it plein aire really cause I used a photograph. I did attempt that "squinting" technique that everyone seems to be raving about. All critiques welcome. I've got a long way to go before I can catch up with some of you incredible painters with all of your experience and everything.

All constructive criticism welcome

Gilberte · #2 10-07-2003, 02:15 PM

I like it very much but would like to see some of the bright colors repeated in the right bottom half of the painting, just MHO but ... I like it very much ! (I think squinting helps a lot too

)

Matt Cooper · #3 10-07-2003, 02:20 PM

You're absolutely right Gilberte... I didn't notice that "ring" in the lower right there until I uploaded it.

I think I need to start painting with better lighting (or just get better eyes

)

I'll touch that up a little bit and then the background a little bit to add a little more variation. Thanks for posting!

Marty C · #4 10-07-2003, 07:55 PM

Hi Matt,
Nice use of colour here in the foreground. I agree with Gilberte - the work is too much divided in two, it needs an area of interest on the right, the muted background has no detail to keep the eye there so is always drawn back to the left. The left has heaps of colour and form and is very good, just need to balance the work as a whole.
Marty

Matt Cooper · #5 10-07-2003, 08:16 PM

Thanks for your input Marty.

I got a little time to mess around with it this afternoon. I figured that the background was a little too bold, so I went in and toned it down I guess. It still needs more interest though and am still deciding on what to do

I kinda want to go in and add some faded color I think, but still remain indecisive... The photo depicts some fog in this area.

Gilberte · #6 10-08-2003, 03:10 AM

Looks a lot better I think !

Helen Zapata · #7 10-08-2003, 11:00 AM

oooooo.... I love your redo! Sign it and call it DONE!

Helen

Allan Jameson · #8 10-08-2003, 04:45 PM

Yes!!!!.....quick sign it again ...and post it off to me

.....I love the redo.

Matt Cooper · #9 10-08-2003, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the compliments. You guys are great!

okay, I'm off to take a test in value engineering / cost estimating

I have a feeling my choice of major is what gave me such a strong desire to want to learn how to paint. I really think I would go insane!

Marty C · #10 10-08-2003, 07:15 PM

Hi Matt,
That has done the trick - big improvement and much better balance with the spread of colour. Well done, very nice piece.

Marty

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