WIP- seascape/sunset/moonset/wave

[tj84]

I got it this far and am kind of afraid to pick up the brushes and finish it.
Don't want to mess it up.

I'd like some suggestions on a few things , or if you see something that might need a change.

Is the sun or moon too small for the amount of light/transparency in the wave?
Should I remove the smaller distant hills on the right and let it be open sea?

Acrylics/canvas 24x36

[climber-man]

The transparency is fine if you like that dramatic effect. I think the colors might be a bit dreamy, so why not leave the lighting intense also, makes for a great combination! Great start

[tj84]

Hope to bump this up for more comments.

[WILT]

The sea behind the large breaking wave seems unduly calm?

[tj84]

I guess I want to get the big one done before adding the other filler waves, just in case I mess up on the main one and have to redo the whole lower half...
I do plan to add some minor back waves.

What do you think about the land? leave both sides or remove one or change it?

[WILT]

Personally, I find the land correct in tonal value at that distance and as the subject is the breaking wave I'd think its fine as is.

[rizzok72]

Looking good so far! One thing I'd suggest, and maybe not so much for this painting but for ones you may do in the future....try to stick to the 1/3 rule. What I mean is, make 1/3 of your painting the sky, and the other 2/3 the foreground wave/water, or vice-versa (1/3 foreground wave/water, 2/3 sky). When you split the foreground and background into equal parts, one can tend to create competing masses. That's not to say you should never do that, or that it can't be done b/c you can find a lot of great/famous work that was done this way. However, a stronger composition can sometimes be created when you make sure one of your masses garners most of the attention and becomes the star of the show, while other parts of your painting serve as 'supporting actors' - if that makes any sense!