Workshop 21

Oil on canvas, 16 x 16
This is a low-light photo that is not very detailed (you cant see strokes--it blends/blurs strokes where some actually exist; you can't see canvas; you cant see many details). But the daylight ran out, and today was the deadline, so I wanted to get something up to let you know I did this.
This was a great assignment. It was beyond my current abilities. But that's what lessons are for. I'll never look at things in the distance the same again. And I can't wait to return to Monterey Bay and Carmel.

18 members like this

View Full Size

Tags:
Albums: Workshop21

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of The Complete Artist to add comments!

Join The Complete Artist

Comment by Betsy Jenkins on May 26, 2013 at 4:17: thanks, michael. I was trying to put something other than horizontals and verticals in the painting for a little variety. But I can see how an X might subconsciously say HALT! or DELETE or STOP or some other negative connotation. So i'll keep it in mind. Of course, an X can also mean a kiss, as in xoxo below a signature. I guess it depends on the viewer's conditioning. Ms. Harris's introduction of the sweeping curve in her rock layout is a better solution.

Comment by Michael J. Severin on May 26, 2013 at 3:06: I agree with everyone input ...very good painting! Keep this in mind for future paintings......: No "X's" ...avoid them.

Comment by Betsy Jenkins on May 25, 2013 at 22:52: Thanks, Jolyn, for the kind words. The best painters and the artists who seem to make the fastest progress that I know all seem to share this trait: a healthy dissatisfaction with everything they have done to date. They are always looking for ways to improve and they fearlessly take risks and make mistakes. This forum is the place to screw up big time and boldly discuss our challenges and concerns. I'd like to suggest that we collectively adopt the motto "Relentlessly pursuing excellence!"

Comment by Jolyn Wells-Moran on May 25, 2013 at 19:31: This looks more confident than the painter sounds. Nicely simplified masses, good light changes, nice handling of color transition to distances, strong drawing.

Comment by Ningning Li on May 25, 2013 at 17:01: peaceful and relaxing!!

Comment by Christine Lewis on May 25, 2013 at 15:26: We can surely sympathize with you, Betsy. I know I have been there many times myself ( =

But the more I look at it, the more I just like the simplicity in this one. Glad you persevered!

Comment by Betsy Jenkins on May 25, 2013 at 14:28: Thank you Christine and Ngaire. I am glad you are finding calm and balance in it, because there were plenty of unbalanced, four-letter words thrown at the canvas while it was being created. ;-)

Comment by Christine Lewis on May 25, 2013 at 14:17: Betsy, there is something special about this. Not sure if it could be called balance or calm...but it is very pleasing to look at, and study. I think you've done a great job at putting into practice some of the things Richard talks about regarding atmosphere and light. And like someone else said, I too think it draws you in. Great job!

Comment by Montalvo on May 25, 2013 at 9:40: Yes i did see it. Like i said..there are paintings, and there are paintings that just have a mood in them. Everybody is doing a great job. I have a ways to go and put it all together. Oh...as far as following the Workshop and Atmospheric Perspective...Sandra did nail it.