Critique please

[LaurieO]

Hi Everyone :)

I am trying to make sure I know:
1. how to post photos to the forum
2. the correct consistency of ET paint when using hatch marks.

I am putting a photo here that is of detail of a painting I am currently working on. My scanner doesn't really show an accurate likeness- some of the "fineness" seems to be lost - but if anyone would like to look at the brush work I am doing on these flowers and tell me if it looks okay, I'd appreciate it. It looks like there might be little "clumps" here and there, but the painting itself doesn't really show actual clumps. But, I am wondering if I am using the paint just a touch too thick- I don't know if you'll be able to tell that from the scan, but any criticisms are welcome.

Thanks
Laurie

[RobM]

The brush work looks fine to me. Just a couple of end of stroke blobs on the right hand leaf. Probably a little too much paint in the brush. It may have been better to have done the brush stroke towards the midde of the flower.
I'm not averse to blobs though, there are plenty in my pieces.
My only real crit. The petals and leaves seem to be fighting for equal attention.
It may be better to strengthen the shadows on the leaves, perhaps soften their edges. (Sharp edges always leap forward).
Now don't go charging off with your brush now....others may disagree with me.
I think you are really brave sticking your head above the parapet to get shot at.
Rob

[LaurieO]

Hi everyone :)

Rob, you know those old English metal helmuts that came in handy for the soldiers in the castles? I don't know their correct name, armor hats, I guess - well, I made sure I put one of those on my head before I posted this photo. :)

Thanks for the comments - I agree , and am glad you pointed it out - the shadowing under the petals and on the leaves needs more developing. This is only part of the painting, too - it actually is surrounded by background, but I will watch how I pull things forward as I develop the details. I do want the flowers to be most prominent. Also, I'm watching my blobs very carefully.

Thanks again.

Laurie

[David O]

I really like that painting. I especially like the brushstrokes. The colors are nice, too.

[LaurieO]

Hi David O - why thank you! I have this painting propped up on my art table and keep glancing at it as I go about any non-painting time in my day - to try and see what I might want to work on next in it.

By the way- I'm assuming the avatar you use is a self-portrait in ET? I like it- I tried one and utterly do not like it - I just don't seem to have the hang of painting people in ET yet. I would have needed full body armor (teflon at that) in order to post that one. :)

Laurie

[RobM]

Just a note that I had not picked up on.
I must point out that Laurie has only shown us about a quarter of the painting. I have seen the full image which I believe is now on her website.
The whole image certainly puts a different perspective on the work and really to invite a critique I am sure that we would like to see the overall work. Laurie and I have been PM'ing, having discussions in the background about this piece of work.
RobM

[Salamander]

No photos of work came through on my computer

[RobM]

Eric,
Me thinks that Laurie has taken off the image which was linked to her web site.
Rob