The Overlook

[Old Tex]

This one has been a struggle, so I'd be interested to hear what you think. C&C welcome.

16x20 ~ Gouache

[bkrast]

Absolutely beautiful, Ralph! Gorgeous colors and comp. Stunning!!!

[bkrast]

Great texture too, in everything!

[Davkin]

Very nice. Your paintings are some of my favorites.

David

[virgil carter]

Beautiful composition, as always! Congratulations.

I am bothered by all of the rocks having the same color and value family. And that the lighting is seemingly uniform across all of them.

Might you use some of the variation in your foliage (color, value, lighting) for your rocks so that the eye natually goes to wherever your painterly intent is?

Just my reaction.

Virgil

[Esmeralinda]

I think a darker value at the bottom of the rocks but other than that I find this deliciously beautiful !!! Love it ! I always love your work

[Al Skaar]

Love that tree Ralph! Have you thought about going a little darker on the foliage just behind the rock - on the left? Great piece Ralph!

- Al

[skappy]

Beautiful I like the colors I agree with Linda and Al I think a little darker in the nooks in between the rocks otherwise it is very good the way it is
Robert

[Old Tex]

Thanks everyone, for your comments and your observations. By way of explanation, I spotted this rocky outcropping while traveling between San Angelo and Abilene in west Texas. I took a reference photo of it in late morning, which gave me a pretty washed out image, and the sun kind of high in the sky. Not much in the way of shadows. Earlier, we had passed through a cut, with red rocky cliffs on either side. The sun was just hitting the tops of the cliffs, really lighting up the red rocks. So, inspired by that earlier light, I’ve attempted to use it with this scene, to try to capture that light on these rocks. Thus, the color and light are invented. I took considerable liberties here to create a somewhat romanticized west Texas scene.

I had hoped to have this one ready for a show this weekend, but I can see there is still more work to be done. With the other preparations I need to do, I'm not sure if I can get this one done, varnished and framed in time.

Thanks again for taking the time to look and offer all the thoughtful comments. I needed your eyes for this one.

[Esmeralinda]

I hope you have a great and successful show Ralph ! Wish I could be there !!

[Dcam]

Ralph, Good Luck ole' Buddy. This is a sweet outcropping of rocks. Lovely warm against cool.

Derek

[vanhulle]

Ralph:
I like this very much, especially the light and graceful touches in the lighter plants in the center foreground. If I had a nit to pick, and it would be a small one, it would be that the skyholes in the main tree seem a bit darker blue than they should be in the right and center areas.
Phil

[JohnHealey]

Hi Ralph,

Your painting is terrific! I love all your work and this is no exception. Good luck on your upcoming show!

John

[Jim Updegraff]

Ralph, it is a striking painting, dramatic in its own way, and certainly compelling. Many of us might have done some differently -- like darkening the left-hand tree or lighting the horizon -- but then it wouldn’t be your painting, it would be ours.

It’s nice size, too.

[vensunn]

Hi Ralph,
There's certainly nothing whimpy about your strong palette here-beautiful!!
I also like the patterning in your overall design created by the sky holes, foreground elements and texture of your painterly brushstrokes.
Steven