The reference photo below is from a friend and I used the painting for Cactus Monday.
I like the painting and LOVE that cobalt blue. I see a love affair coming with that shade of blue. This is the first time I have blended three colors together. Each petal was done separately using cobalt blue, yellow ochre and rose.
I also know the colors are not the same but I like my colors, one of those artist license things.
What bothers me is the background. I wanted the plant to 'pop' more and have more texture. I was on the way to overworking it so I quit painting.
Have at it ladies!
I know I will appreciate anything you have to offer.
5 comments:
I absolutely love the colors you used on the plant itself, but you are right, it gets lost in the background. Unfortunately, I have not painted very much so I don't know how to give advice as to how to correct that issue.
The only thing I could suggest is either making the background color much lighter or going with a deeper gray with flecks of color.
I'm not much help am I? lol. Anyway, I admire anyone that can paint at all, I'm still scared to death to try another round with watercolors as my first piece didn't turn out so well and I haven't even touched my acrylics. I'm so glad I found this blog, it gives me inspiration everyday.
Teri, have you tried making your reference image into a grayscale? When I look at the photo, I don't see much value change. So, I think the values of your painting are probably correct.
In the photo ref, must of the color is within the succulent and the background as mostly value and color. I think Deanna may be right in that you need a more monotone grey background. You may also want to try deepening some of the form shadows deep inside the cactus to give it more depth.
Hope this helps!
Thank you, I did look at the grayscale and right, not much difference (but thanks for that as I never thought of doing it).
I should have scanned this before I added the background as it was prettier. I may mess around with it more...or not. :)
I love the colors on the petals, Teri, ... and it a well drawn, ... and I agree with Laure that a little darker deep down on each leaf will give it more depth.
And you might like it better if you crop it a little tighter. The bright colors in the background steal a little from the cactus, especially the dark speckles.
I think the idea of the background, ie speckled sand, works, but maybe with softer tones so the cactus is the center of attention.
P.S. Your background might be just fine if you kill the darkest speckles with a little opaque watercolor ... easy fix. It is the darkest speckles that bother me.
... and remember it is all a matter of opinion. It should only be taken to heart if it fits.
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