Sunday, April 18, 2010

Canary Island shoreline



This is another painting I did recently for this month's Virtual Paintout. I can't decide if I will submit this one -- because I can't decide if I like it or not. It seems too juvenile I think, especially all the buildings on the rocky hills. I'm not really sure what I don't like about it, but it just doesn't seem to evoke any emotion from me. Just seems flat. What do you think? Would love to hear anyone's opinion on this painting. Also, any suggestions on how to make it better?

Acrylic on canvas, 9x12

Additional note: I uploaded the changed version, which is on top or first. You can see the changes I made in the water color and the windows of the buildings.

9 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

Nancie, I think this is really pretty to be quite honest. I don't think it looks juvenile at all...The only thing that looks even remotely a bit off is the sharp contrast between that beautifully textured shore waters and the flat water in the distance. I am not sure if it is the sharp contrast in the waves to flat water or if it is just a sharp contrast in close water versus distant waters...Still, I love the piece!

Nancy Goldman said...

I don't think it is juvenile at all. I think you should submit it. The only thing I can see that you might do is soften the buildings a little bit. Maybe give a suggestion of windows rather than having them so distinct. Just the thought of trying to paint that many buildings makes me feel anxious!

Nan Johnson said...

I like both of these suggestions - mostly because they do point at things I don't like. The color contrast between the distant water & shoreline does bother me, and Nancy you are right. Those windows are too pronounced, especially since the buildings are a bit distant. Thanks for the extra set of eyes (6 eyes to be exact) - I appreciate it!

Nan Johnson said...

You know what else is wrong with this picture (just hit me as I stared at it. The waves against the rocks - these would not exist since the waves are actually running a different direction, up onto the beach.

Autumn Leaves said...

I don't know, Nancie. The waves aren't that big so to me they work just fine. I just reread my last line of my comment and I didn't mean to repeat what I said...I meant that I couldn't tell if it was the harsh demarcation between the waves coming in and the flat ocean in the distance, or if it was the abrupt color change from those same two pieces! I also kind of like the windows as you have them; I think to soften them would make the buildings blend into the cliffs a bit too much. For what that tidbit is worth. Still and yet, I love this painting, really, and would be quite proud of myself were it from my own hands!

Nan Johnson said...

Hi Sherry, I agree with your ideas. I find the transition between the distant water & the shoreline water too distinct. It's just too harsh or abrupt. I like the painting enough to work with it some more. I have a few other painting challenges I have to work on/finish. Seems my list is always longer than I can accomplish! LOL But I will get back to this one & I'll repost it then. Thank you for your help & support! - Nan

Margaret said...

Love the waves and beach. Agree with distance water - to smooth or maybe too dark blue? But I do like your homes on the rocks but the center one up front might be improved if the windows of that house weren't so black - it draws my attention too much. Otherwise this is great - I'm trying to do a similar one but I might run out of time to post it to the challenge. Hope to see this posted. Great job.

Nan Johnson said...

Well, I did some work on this and did finally post it on Virtual Ticket. I'll try & update the blog as well. Margaret, thank you for your recent feedback - and our minds must have connected, because I had just done some of those very same changes. The distant water - I added more green & lessened the blue in it. Also, faded out & removed some of the more prominent windows as well. Overall, I think it is better - so thank you everyone for your extra set of eyes!

Becky Drees said...

It's really nice, Nancie! The colors you used for the water are just great!

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