Painting by Pauline Pierce     (work in progress)

  
 

This is the original image  received from Pauline.   She was working on this painting in one of my workshops.  We knew from the start that was a potential problem of dividing this picture into foreground on the left and background on the right.  Pauine took the painting home after the workshop and continued to work on it.  I give her a lot of credit for her drive and ambition.  Many times at the workshops I have seen her plunge right into a painting and she is not afraid to make major and drastic changes.  I don't know about you, but that is a tough thing for me to do, even when you know it has to be done! 

 
     
  The picture still looks divided to me. Both sides look good, but it is that transition between the two sides (foreground & background) that are a visual problem. There are two elements (1) the closer objects/setting of the cats and rocks, and (2) the background trees and ferns. Part of the problem is the values and contrasts in the background are as dark and intense as in the foreground. I think the one main thing that causes some confusion is the middle tree (the first one to the right of the cats - viewer's right.) That tree appears to be close to the rocks that the cats are on (because it is in front of the rock ledge behind them), yet it is the same size and color as the background trees. I think it adds to the division of the painting. It should be either smaller, like half that size or less, or bigger, as if it were of the same size as the background tree, but now closer.   
     
 

(Option/idea A.): Maybe the background that is on the right should extend behind the cats.  This would help pull the painting together as a whole and unify the setting.  I also faded the values on the right-hand side of the background. The stronger contrast and values should be up front, were the cats and rocks are closer to the viewer.

  
     
  (Option/Idea B.):  Think how big a tree would be compared with those cats, when close to them. It might cause more of a problem by being bigger, but with some branches extending into and across the background, it will show that it is closer and push the background back. I think it also creates a more intimate area for the cats and makes the background more secondary. I also highlighted the rock ledges behind the big tree, up higher, to help make that stand away from the background. The background values have been subdued as well.  What do you think?  
     
  Thanks to my friend Pauline Pierce for allowing me to use her work as a sample of this On-line Critique service.  You can contact her via email at the following address:  paddy638@earthlink.net   
     
  Back to Start Page  
  Home • Art Workshops • About the Artist • Books & Cards • Bronze Sculpture • Collector Plates • Commissions • Critiques • Design Services • Limited Editions • Original Artwork • Wild Neighborhood  
 

This is the official Web site of Rod Lawrence.  All rights reserved.  Use, reproduction or modification of any part, or image on this site without permission is a violation of copyright.  Please respect the rights and property of others.  Read the Copyright Law.