Friday, November 11, 2011

Boston Wharf and Learning to Simplify

6x6 oil on panel

This was a tough one, and I still need to do some work on it, but I need to learn to simplify a scene like this with lots of detail. I'm posting the reference photo as well as the painting, constructive criticism welcome.

5 comments:

  1. A really lovely piece Kristen. And what a challenge with all of those architectural structures. A tremendous painting workout! You have some very gorgeous texture and lighting here. Your values are right on target. The building on the far right in red is perfectly placed and painted! The only thing I think you could adjust a smidgen is the angle on the rooflines of the buildings on the left. Their faces are being pulled downward a tiny bit. Making it seem like they are sinking a little in the "front" where they meet the water/dock.If you isolate the left side roof line of the lowest gray building in the foreground it's dipping down a tiny bit too much. Just tilt that one up in the front along with the same corresponding line of the roof at the very top of the stack and you're good to go. Sorry about the rambling on. Just hope this helps and doens't hinder.

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  2. Simplifying is something I haven't learned yet, myself! I think you did a great job with this in such a small space!

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  3. You did a great job of simplifying. And I love the painting. Miss you!!!

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  4. I love that you posted the reference photo also. The grays and angles pull your eye across the piece and I love the pop of red color on the right. If it were me I would further simplify the posts in the water on the front right...make it more water. I love this piece!

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  5. What were we saying about 6 x 6!!!??? This is really great!! You took on quite a challenge I must say. Just looking at that reference photo makes me nervous to paint it! My painting mentor is all about simplification and she is so good at it - you know - picking out the more important things and leaving out the rest. I think you did a really good job at doing that. . . . and on a 6 x 6!

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