My first sunset

[Alan Dixon]

This painting was inspired by a photo I took a couple of years ago of my grandchildren enjoying the sunset on Sunset Bay Beach in Ohau, Hawaii.
This photo is one on my favorite shots ever. My painting is OK because of the subject matter but the colours are not quite right. I would love to redo this someday in greytones.
Alan

Details

[Val]

Very nice remembrance Alan. The reflection in the water is perfect. Well done. 

[Lillian]

What a great way to capture a memory!  Very nice!   

[Rkymtnmary]

That's beautiful...I think it's very evocative. 

[nolan]

can you post the photo as well please Alan - it makes it easier for me to comment?

[Alan Dixon]

Nolan. I have put my painting in my gallery and I have added it to my message. Am I missing something? How and where do I "post" it?
Also several days ago I asked "How do I look at others gallery?" I cant find that message or any answer so I would appreciate it if someone could let me know because I would love to look at others work.
Alan

[nolan]

I was refering to the photo from which you painted the scene Alan, it would be great if you can post that here too.

Tony did answer the question on how to view somebody's gallery in another post, but here goes again : To the left of these posts you can see the person's name who made the post. Click their username. This takes you to their profile page, from there you can view their gallery

[Maryna]

Feels to me there is something missing 

[Alan Dixon]

Here is the photo Nolan. Should I post it to the photo's as well because I would have no problem with anyone else using it.

Details

[Alan Dixon]

Maryna.
Sea (check), Sky (check) Silhouette (check) horizon (check) Can't think of anything missing except talent
Alan

[Maryna]

Don't be hard on yourself. 
Did you paint that in oil? Perhaps you can lighten the sky a bit more, to give it that warm orange/yellow kinda look? What you think?

Did you see the oil class on the sunset with the boat? If not, it is a free class. There Nolan showed us to do the center part of the sun first and work out, one can never go back in again for we will lose the look and feel of the sun.

Happy   

[nolan]

there we go, thanks Alan

Okay, what is missing is contrast. Always remember that you must do everything you can to focus the viewers attention on the focal point. The best way of doing that is to ensure the highest contrasts are in that area.

If you lighten the sea you will be adding the contrast required to get your focal point - the figures - to stand out. You can easily do this by masking off your figures and then doing a colour wash over the sea using a lighter colour.

I am happy with the techniques you are using, so if you spend a little more time in the beginning getting the colours right you are going to see a dramatic and instant improvement to your paintings