ONLINE

reworking an old painting

Hi everyone -

I had a painting sitting in my studio for literally 4 years, and about 3 years ago I decided I wasnt happy with the monotone colors and I knew at some point I would want to add some 'zing' to it. Today was the day.. so I just shared the old painting and the new version of the old painting with an artist friend and she liked it better the old way!!! I am devastated.. not really, but I thought by adding greens and blues and a touch of alizarin chrimson I improved it. I wonder if anyone can share their thoughts on how I changed the painting and if it was for the better, or worse.

old version -

new version from today -

--------------------------------------------------------------
www.fineartbyrobin.com

OFFLINE

changes

Hi,

 To tell the truth, I like both versions. At this point, I like the older one better. It has great subtlety to it. It was very ethereal.

What I do like about the new version is the potential. I think it can really pop with some more contrast. Kick up the darks, maybe some more browns. Possibly some little gems of blue sky popping through the trees. The ground definately needs "grounding". Give it some kind of weight or contrast. It looks like you want to go there, but are a little afraid. Just jump in and go for it, you can always pull it back.

I applaud attempting dense forest images. There is so much layering and gradations of colors to address. It is beyond what I want to attempt. You are accomplishing it very well. Keep at it.

 Thanks for sharing!

Parker

--------------------------------------------------------------
www.myspace.com/parkersketch

ONLINE

final version (with pumped up color)

I guess I felt there was a lack of energy and color and now this painting is done.

--------------------------------------------------------------
www.fineartbyrobin.com

OFFLINE

Hi Robin

wow you really kicked this up a notch.    I love what you've done with it,  with the deeper earth tones at the bottom left,  and denser trees and more yellow spatter.   And great advice from sketch.   In comparison to the first two versions,  I like this one much better.   Nice work!

OFFLINE

Robin

I just spent a week in the forest and the only thing I can think of for this picture is to add a few darks on the ground.  The canopy keeps the sun from getting through all the layers.  I do like the colors.  They remind me of spring.  The spatter gives it good texture.  Over all a good painting.

--------------------------------------------------------------
libbysart.com