Thursday, June 4, 2020

Distant Shore - Fix It Friday #14

Distant Shore, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2020
SOLD

This was another large-scale "make-over" project... As I shared a few weeks ago, changes can can be scary, particularly when I have worked long and hard on a distinctly large piece. My fearful voice whispers, "leave well enough alone", while my bold voice cheers and cajoles, "don't be a wimp, go for it!!"

BEFORE

AFTER

CHANGES:
Problem 1 - The scene lacked the sense of depth I was going for.
Fix 1 - Enlarged the foreground clouds. This not only brought them closer (which helped push back the distant shore), it also provided the "reason" for such extensive beach shadows.
Fix 2 - Defined the distant figures to help reinforce the sense of scale.

Problem 2 - The sky lacked movement and drama.
Fix 1 - Gave the clouds more action by breaking up the edges.
Fix 2 - Added more layers of stratus clouds in the distance to enhance sense of movement.

OBSERVATIONS:
So what was I going for?? I wanted to capture that expansive, immenseness of nature's elements. I think I got a little closer in the second version, but it's a never ending pursuit. Creation is wonderfully grand.


Click Here to see Fix it Friday #11
Click Here to see Fix it Friday #12
Click Here to see Fix it Friday #13

7 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

I love this. Of course I'm passionate about clouds, and about your work.
Plus I love the explanation, which makes complete sense.

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Penny Carlson said...

This is a beautiful painting. Was it done at Coast Guard Beach on St. Simons? It looks very familiar.

Laurel Daniel said...

Thank you, Barbara! We do share that love, don't we?? XOXOXO

Laurel Daniel said...

Thank you, Penny!! Yes, this is East Beach on St. Simons, looking toward Sea Island (the "distant shore"). Do you live on St. Simons? Visit? I love that we share that glorious spot!

Penny Carlson said...

We stayed there a week in January. We were checking it out to see if we would like to retire there. It is a beautiful place. While there I visited Anderson Fine Art gallery and saw some of your beautiful paintings in person. We live near Asheville NC now. We eventually decided to retire in Naples, Florida where my 3 sisters live. We hope to do so some time this year.

Laurel Daniel said...

Penny! St. Simons is a wonderful spot, and I'm glad you had a fun visit. Thank you for visiting the Anderson Gallery... Lots of beautiful work to see there! I hear great things about Naples and you can't beat being near family. Wishing you a smooth transition and happy new beginnings!

Penny Carlson said...

Thank you Laurel! I lived there for several years in the 90's. Moved to NC in 2002. Looking forward to going back.