Thursday 1 November 2012

October Challenge

The latest in the monthly challenge series that I share with Peter Ward (watercolourfanatic.blogspot.com). I set this one, a photograph from a recent trip to Norfolk largely because it would give an opportunity to have a go at a boat shape which I often find difficult. It would also have the challenge of capturing a feeling of light.


Old Boat - Photograph

I attempted to simplify the image, cutting out much of the impedimenta and boat fragments. My next choice was to make the buildings indicative rather than detailed. The last decision was taken after a break in the painting process. Returning after lunch with the intention of using the white of the paper on the boat deck to add other bits of detail I was struck by the way that the white looked okay in contrast with the other colours and thought that it might be an idea to leave well enough alone. I may return after  a day or two but for now I'm calling it done. What do you think?


Old Boat - Watercolour on Rough paper 16" x 12"

10 comments:

Peter Ward said...

I like the composition with you simplifying and leaving out a lot of the background. Wish I'd done the same. My only other comment would be that it is very grey which gives it a slightly `dull' look.

Linda Roth said...

I think Peter is right. Your darks aren't dark enough. Also the mid tone color in the beach that is closest to the viewer could be stronger. The blue stripe is too dominant at this point.

Ray Maclachlan Art said...

Nice job Mick, though I do agree with the previous comments. At present it's an overcast, high cloud day, more darks will move it to sunshine.

Ron Guthrie said...

Hi Mick,
Very nice work on this painting and one of my favorite subjects! If you compare this to the photo, which we all can here, the darks could use some added work like mentioned but on it's own without the ref photo it would work I think. From just looking at the photo of the painting I would darken the inside shadows of the boat, especially the back one...they should be equal values....still a really good painting Mick.

Nora MacPhail said...

Sensational painting Mick. I like how you handled the sand with a touch of splatter.
Happy Painting.

Unknown said...

Peter - Thanks. I think you have a point and there is necessary work to be done to eliminate that sense of greyness.

Unknown said...

Linda - I'd hoped that the foreground might assist in crating a feeling of light but I agree with the comments about the darks. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Ray - I'm convinced about the darks, not strong enough.

Unknown said...

Ron - You make a good observation about the inside shadows, they don't work as they are. I'll have to darken and balance them.

Unknown said...

Nora - I appreciate your kind comments. The splatter technique is always useful to create a bit of interesting texture.