Thursday, November 20, 2008

Drowning in Possibility - Stage 2


Darkening, shaping, trying to get the look of floating in water.
Comments and critiques very welcome.


9 comments:

Sandy Maudlin said...

The water and face are really strongly powerful as they are. Good job on keeping it fresh and vibrant.

I'm thinking there's miskit for the highlights of the eyes? The iris of the eye on the right looks a bit too high and needs to look down and a bit more to the right for an accurate gaze, I think. Highlights in the eyes indicate a spark of life.....

Will a bit of water wash over her chest? Can't help but be compelled to look at this painting.

Ann Buckner said...

Coming along beautifully Rhonda. I like the movement in the water and how the light is on her face along with the shadowed area of her face. I was wondering about the highlight in her left eye in that the highlight appears brighter than that in the right eye. Would the highlight be more subdued in the left eye since it is catching less light? Knowing this is still a WIP I hesitated saying anything. Looking forward to the next posting of this painting.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Sandy and Ann. You're both right about the eyes - I still have misket in the "whites" of the eyes and will dull the white in her left eye since that's shadowed in water. Thanks for your comments on the progress and what you like and think still needs some tweaking. I'll be working on it again tomorrow.

Nava said...

It's fascinating to follow the development of this one. I feel almost dizzy looking at it, as if I am about to be swallowed by the vortex. I can imagine it on an elephant sheet!

cathyswatercolors said...

I love the over all impression of the painting. The out of focus dark surreal feeling is ominous

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Rhonda,

I think the darker you go with this water the more supportive of your theme it will be. I am not sure I understand your motivation on this one, but I can sure appreciate what you are doing with your edge control and value shifts. I have to keep looking at it despite the fact that I find it so disturbing, which I guess is a compliment?

RH Carpenter said...

I appreciate your comments, Nava, Carol (Shicat) and Susan. Ah, even if it makes you uncomfortable and you still have to look - that's a good thing, I think. Hope it doesn't make you all feel too unsettled. As I've said in the past, CSI has been called in and has taken her away :)

Nava said...

Don't get me wrong, Rhonda - to me, a disturbing image of far more creative than a pretty picture. That's why I am so fascinated.

Have CSI found the villain yet?

RH Carpenter said...

Nava, they haven't solved the case yet but they've ruled out the Miniature Killer since she is now "cured." :)