Wednesday, July 21, 2010

STARTING OVER


Well, I was never happy with the water in this one although everything else was working. I cropped it down as much as I could and it still doesn't work for me. Maybe it's just me but I know one other blogger/friend commented that it wasn't reading right (I think it was Joan).

What do you think?


I have started over, lots of drawing and miskiting before getting out the paints. I may change the color of the chairs on this one, too. I'm going to do the background as more water and sand, not as foamy, less striving for attention.



Thursday I'm going to drive out to the country to paint with Deb and Sharon - if it's not storming like crazy. I'm going to take a few paintings for critiques and we're going to help each other choose which ones should be entered in the Cincinnati Art Club Viewpoint Show (deadline in August). Although I got in last year, there is no guarantee I'll get in this year - but the judge this year is a watercolorist (Nita Leland) so I think all watercolors have a good chance!

9 comments:

Gillian Mowbray said...

I think Joan has a point although it's hard to see the problem. After studying it for a while I think it reads like the water is coming downhill to the jetty (!). Maybe some horizontal ripples would help?
I'm fascinated by your work ethic and thought processes. Such lovely work!

Lisa Walsh said...

That was my thought, too, If you look at the angle of the shadows, and then the 'angle' of the water, it looks like the water goes 'uphill'. Maybe the water angle should match the angle of the jetty? I've pulled my own beach chair to watch your work on this one, every piece is a learning experience.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Afraid it was me Rhonda, but very difficult to know what to do to achieve the right perspective for the water. I think perhaps you have to have a horizon and the sea only a band in the middle because it would be below the verandah. But whatever you do please don't spoil the wonderful chairs and shadows.
Love the visits to the stunning shows of late - thanks for sharing.

Vicki Greene said...

While the water is not my favorite part, I do LOVE the chairs and shadows on this one. Looking forward to seeing what you choose to enter in the show.

RH Carpenter said...

Yes, Gillian, it's rolling downhill from a wave cresting not far (the water actually went underneath the deck at high tide). I just couldn't get it to look right and I think horizontal ripples would have worked.

Lisa, good idea. I'm going to just forget all that foam and go for something more calming to focus on the chairs and shadows.

Joan, your eye was right on target - thanks for telling me it didn't look right (sometimes you don't want to the be the lone ranger when it comes to making a comment).

Vicki, I wanted it to be about the chairs and shadows so calming the water to be more beachy and smooth should work - we'll see!

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Hi Rhonda, I went back to the photograph to compare. The water is the culprit. But, to me, just on the right side above the rail. It's a matter of shapes and their position. Perhaps your left brain took over :)

This is a dynamic piece. I love the light you achieved. Is there anyway to spray off the area of conflict and rework?

I, too, am fascinated by your work ethic and thought process. Go girl!

cathyswatercolors said...

Hi Rhonda, i love the painting, maybe darken the lower portion of the water to create a horizon??

Christiane Kingsley said...

I also loved the chairs and the shadows. Having a combination of sandy beach and water "below" the level of the deck should be easier to convey and will not detract the focus from the chairs.
I love your resilience!You are a great role model!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Cathy, Christiane and Pam for you comments on this one. It's coming along.