ornamental pond

[KaTee]

This is my 2nd watercolour.
It is 14"x10",done on 140lb 'Langton' paper.
Was done at the same location as my first (Burton Agnes Hall). As always, critiques and advise most welcome (and needed!)

<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/burtonagnespond.jpg" border=0>
Thanks for looking
Karen
Sorry about the colours being a bit bright, I think its the scanner as they are more subtle on the original painting.

[This message has been edited by KaTee (edited October 05, 2000).]

[oleCC]

Hi KaTee... This painting again shows your sincere effort to go forward with watercolors and I applaud you for that! I think the suggestions made with your other painting could be adopted here as well. Tonal values, contrasts - drawing the viewers eye to the main subject matter etc. Background will have a different value than foreground for example - creating distance. Keep painting and keep posting...looking good!
Carol

[Ruth]

Hi K

I made a few changes to show you what you can do with values. I chose a focal point and put the lightest lights and darkest darks there. The rest of it is middle values. See how you notice the focal point first and then see the rest?

A full range of light to dark gives drama to any painting.

I hope this is helpful.
<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/BURTON~2.jpg" border=0>

[CarlyHardy]

Hi KaTee, hooray! you are moving right along with your watercolors. Every painting is another learning experience. Composition with this one is very nice...you've brought the viewer into taking a close look at the ordinary...sort of like stopping to smell the roses. Now get braver with color! Drop yellow into the green..presto sunlight! Drop in some deep blue...presto a shadow!

I smile a lot when I work in watercolor...I have many happy accidents carly

[sassybird]

KaTee, I just learned a lot by Ruth's example. I have been away from watercolors for a long time, so it is like starting from scratch for me.
I think you are moving along nicely with your work. You are taking suggestions and working with them. I want to see more of your work. It is wonderful to see an artist blossom

------------------
sass

[nnelson1]

KaTee:

Hey! What's the deal? You posted a new watercolor and didn't contact me??

Oh, well, I forgive ya!

Way to go, kiddo. You're taking the plunge and swimming along. I concur with the other suggestions here and would just add that it's easy to underestimate watercolor's power to be bold and have incredible contrasts. Too many times it seems we settle for "in between" values so we won't seem "pushy".
Be BOLD, girl! I can see some very explosive values and expressions in your work just waiting to be let out. Go for it! You'll find your work suddenly jumps off the paper. Experiment! Try new things! Explore your new world to it's fullest!

Always looking forward to your work.

Humbly,

Nick

[KaTee]

CAROL - Thanks for the comments, I had actually painted this one before I posted my first watercolour, but will definately be trying harder in future to create a focal point and work on contrasts and tonal values.

CARLY - I had real concerns about the compostion of this one, I felt it was too 'diagonal', but must admit, I don't know anything about composition theories. I really would like to do something 'loose' and will try some wet in wet I think and see what happens.

RUTH - Your demo really helps to demonstrate the point. Thanks!

SASSY - Thanks, I certainly try to take notice of all the help and advice you all give me. I really appreciate it. (When are you going to get that scanner sorted and post some of yours, I can't wait)

NNELSON1 - Sorry, I'll let you know next time LOL, and yes I look forward to experimenting and being bold. By the way, loved your painting in the critique forum, one day I'll get there if I keep practising.

Thanks to everyone,

Best wishes

Karen



[This message has been edited by KaTee (edited October 08, 2000).]