Beach Cove Overlook, 18 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2020
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Today, I am re-sharing a "fix" I made a few years ago...
After enlarging a plein air piece I painted in California, I immediately saw problems that had not surfaced in the smaller study. Sometimes that happens when going from small to large.
Here's what happened next...
BEFORE
AFTER
CHANGES:
Problem 1 - The main subject was unapproachable (grass and foliage in the way).
Fix 1 - Added a pathway that leads to the main subject and focal point.
Problem 2 - The cove was too circular and dominant.
Fix 1 - Pushed it back by making the shape of cove and waves more elliptical.
Fix 2 - Increased the mass and height of grasses on the bluff to visually overlap the cove (which also helps to subdue it and push it back).
OBSERVATIONS:
This had the classic battle of different elements fighting for the spotlight. Background was trying to come forward, and the subject was a bit buried. By clarifying a hierarchy of elements, the tension lifted and the whole scene was able to settle into place.
What a wonderful difference!
ReplyDeleteYou’re amazing. You fix problems I don’t even see.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny and Sharon!!! :)
ReplyDelete