Examining his Shadow?

[Michael Lang]

I am a new boy here and this is my first posting. I am taking Richard's encouragement to post a recent painting. Comments very welcome.

I saw these two children on the beach at St. Ives in Cornwall and really liked their poses. The study, from a reference photo, is in oil on 6x8in canvas paper.

[Mary Paloma Diesel]

I like the limited pallette, the composition and the shadows. I also like the feet blending into the sand. Gives the painting movement. The girl's hat looks a little flat to me, and I can't quite make out what that is in front of her face - a scarf or her hair. Anyway I think it's very well done. Gives me the feeling there's wind blowing, or at least some kind of movement.

[Michael Lang]

Many thanks, Mary, for taking the time to comment. To answer your query, the dark shape under the girl's hat is just the cast shadow from her hat, with some reflected light..

[Mary Paloma Diesel]

Okay, I see. Maybe if it were a cooler shadow I'd understand the suggestion better? Anyway thanks for sharing your lovely work.

Michael Lang said:

Many thanks, Mary, for taking the time to comment. To answer your query, the dark shape under the girl's hat is just the cast shadow from her hat, with some reflected light..

[Michael Lang]

Good suggestion, Mary.

[Michael Lang]

Thanks, Saghi. Didn't know you were a member here.

[Carol Brock]

Lovely painting Michael

[Michael Lang]

Many thanks, Carol.

[Gloria Shaw]

Hi Michael, I really like your brushwork and the informal pose of the children, could be on my own beach here. Your work tells a story and this allows the viewer to put their own interpretation. I love it! regards Gloria

[Michael Lang]

That's very kind of you, Gloria. Thanks.

[Susan Galick]

I love your painting style Michael.  This is wonderful.

[Michael Lang]

Thank you so much, Susan. Glad you like it.

[Marie Francis]

Michael I think the boy is perfect, as is the sand.  I do have a problem with the direction the little girl is going.  Her feet are going to the right but her shoulders, head and hat are facing in to the picture.  It is the shoulders that twist the body I think.  I love the painting and the subject though!  I like the shadows too, which give a clue as to why the little girl is not quite right. The shadows are going in the same direction as her feet.  If you straightened the collar a bit I think it might make a difference. It is your painting so you do what you think is right.  Great work though.