Paul's Critique
Paul's original painting
My edited version
Paul,
Your drawing is
excellent. The way you set the elements in the foreground gives it such a
realistic look. I bet the viewer feels like just walking right in. Better make
sure you don't leave in on the floor, otherwise someone might hurt himself. LOL!
(He submitted a very large painting 7' by 8').
I'm glad you sent
this to me. When I opened it, I immediately knew which medicine to give it (See
the edited version attached). Do you see an improvement?
When you plan a painting take into
account that you can enrich it considerably if you use all the values, that is:
Highlights, high-mid, mid,
mid-dark, dark, accents
There are of course in-between
values but the differences are very subtle. Actually there are ten.
It works somewhat like the music
scale. Most songs will contain all the musical notes available. Your painting
has basically three planes; foreground, middle ground, back ground. If you give
a value tone (predominant value) to each plane it will really enhance the
feeling of depth or three dimensions. The
exception of this rule would be high or low key paintings (night scenes).
The way we have it in the version I
touched up is:
Immediate Foreground
--- predominantly mid-value
Middle
ground --- predominantly highlight
Back ground
---- predominantly dark
Here are some
suggestions:
A
Landscape painting should contain a center of interest, which is the most
predominant and beautiful area in a painting. The center of interest can be
further enhanced when it contains a focal point creating a "bulls-eye" effect by
adding a touch of purer color, and/or value contrast. This area will become the
star in your play. The surrounding area should be subordinate.
An
appealing
center of
interest contains:
- The strongest
color and if possible complementary colors.
- A strong
shift in value contrast (Light-dark or vice versa)
- Preferably,
not essentially, it should take up a good portion of the picture plane and
gradually become subdued while withdrawing.
- Man made
structures, animals or human figures will further enhance the center of
interest. They take the role of
main actors.
- The
subordinate and surrounding elements should direct or lead the viewer to that
center of interest by means of pointers and visual paths.
- It should not
be placed in the center nor halfway in the picture, preferably in any of the
1/3 portions.
- This area
should not be blocked, not even partially. This will diminish its importance.
- An effectively
designed center of interest will grasp and hold the viewer's attention.
- Create at
least three planes. Each should have a predominant value.
Usually known as foreground,
middle ground, and back
ground.
Sample of strong center of interest
Most professional artists visualize their work in grays as well,
not only in color. A painting should look good even in a black and white photo.
One way to tell the value differences during the painting procedures is to
squint your eyes.
Look at your original painting and the edited version.
Here are some samples of paintings with different values.
 
Paul's reply:
Dear Johannes,
"I can't thank you enough for the critique. Everything you said makes so much
sense.Your changes brought out the depth and made it really come alive. I wish I
had found this site and some of your critiques before I finished this. I have
sealed this painting several times and could never tackle changing it now but I
plan to do a loose watercolor version of the same basic design also the same
size. I will definitely put your suggestions to work. I know your suggestions
will make a big positive difference in my future work. I really appreciate the
time you took on my critique and thank you also for your compliments."
Thank you again Johannes,
Sincerely, Paul Davis
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