River Bend3_View of the Murray

Acrylic on Canvas 20"x30"
I posted a small study and larger painting of this view of the Murray River about a week ago. A number of people liked the study better than the larger painting, so I have attempted the scene again. This time I followed the study more closely, seeking to recapture whatever it was that gave it it's appeal. Comments and critiques welcome.

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Comment by Richard Rogers on March 17, 2015 at 14:17: Thanks Jessica for your comments. One thing doing the larger painting has shown me is you can't copy spontaneity. I should have known that I guess. :-)

Comment by Jessica Futerman on March 10, 2015 at 0:30: Was just looking at the 3 paintings side by side trying to see why the study appeals to me so much - I think it's as Jon said, something to do with the spontaneity & looseness of the brush strokes in the tree & bush forms, as well as the land forms - less definition makes them interesting. Also, the blending of the colours is very beautiful & the tonal structure is more dramatic in the study, especially in the river. The trees on the horizon line have more variation in shape & colour in the study, breaking up the straight line a bit more. But all 3 are lovely paintings & beautifully painted!

Comment by Richard Rogers on March 9, 2015 at 0:22: Hi Jon. Thanks a lot for your feedback. You've given me some things to consider. It's appreciated.

Comment by Jon Main on March 5, 2015 at 9:28: Hi, Richard - I preferred the study to the more finished version for 3 reasons - the compoistion/drawing (especially the position of the river on the left) - looser application of medium - warmer (and more varied?) color. I guess that the spontaneous energy of a study is a great asset to the viewer's engagement with the piece.... the above one is very nice - but I wonder if it's not lacking a clearly-defined focal point...?