The Dart River

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Comment by Maria S Cabrero on February 3, 2011 at 14:20

There is something mystic on this one, I can feel the majestic on those big mountains

Comment by Ed Popchock on January 21, 2011 at 16:10

Thanks Merv for the review of your work plan. I've always enjoyed photography so working from pictures works well for me and was the most logical way to start painting. My experience in painting is about a dozen pictures with some enjoyable success. Sketching for me is also a new adventure but I'm getting better at it.
I do find with painting that the composition taken from my photographs can be changed to make a more exciting or pleasing piece of art work. I tried to tie in other elements from other photos as well. I need to be more patient and work on small studies before tackling a finish piece. I've been working with Richards study course and I'm slowing trying to absorb all of the information.
Thanks for the help.

Comment by Merv Appleton on January 21, 2011 at 11:14

Hi Ed, This was originally done as just a study, so will probably make some changes anway, but to answer your question, not really, as I try to treat it as a seperate painting, I never copy my orginal work as then I would have problems, I always make changes.  The way I work is, I take several photos of my subject from verious angles as well as quick pencil sketches with lots of notes, then I create my painting back in the studio from my reference material plus how I remembered things. This allows me to make several paintings of the same scene but all with suttle changes.  I have yet to try Plein Air, but after watching Richards DVD's I am real keen to give this a go.    Hope this answerts your question

Comment by Ed Popchock on January 20, 2011 at 14:54

Merv,

Looking forward to seeing the larger version. Do you have any difficulty after doing one study and then trying it again? Not being a spontaneous?

Comment by Karlo Bonacic on January 20, 2011 at 1:41

I like this one, Snow - mist - water ..

Comment by Patricia Genever on January 18, 2011 at 23:21

Oh this is spectacular... I love the snowy mountains and reflection in the water...

 

I can hear the silence!!!  Love it!!

Comment by Merv Appleton on January 18, 2011 at 16:51

Hi Ed, nice to meet you also, and thanks for your feedback,  The colours in the actual painting are much stronger than that shown in the photo but your comments are still very valid. I intend painting a larger version of this scene in the near future, so will keep your comments in mind.

Comment by Ed Popchock on January 18, 2011 at 16:15

Merv,

Nice to meet you. I found my eyes immediatily drawn to the distant snow capped mountains. I think highlighting the mist helped really tie everything together. Do you think the sky should have a more distinctive opening that would show more intense lighting from the sun breaking through the clouds? This may change the lighting on the water and would the addition of reflections in the water be any benefit? I guess as I paint I find myself asking questions about the final interpretation of what the moment felt and looked like. Well I hope this made some sense or at least gave you some thought provoking ideas.