What is an Encourager Session

[nolan]

At The Paint Basket we don't critique paintings, we believe that to be counter productive as it breeds negativity. We tell you where you need to improve and what you can do to improve the painting.

If you have completed an oil painting or are busy with an oil painting and would like us to comment on it, then this is the place to post it.

If you would just like to chat about or ask a question about painting in oils in general, then go HERE.

[Kelley]

I've attached some pictures of my first three oil on canvas paintings.  I don't feel I'm quite done on the second since there is nothing to captivate such as a boat or shoreline.  I am experimenting with different techniques and am not sure which suits me yet.  I appreciate any comments you may have.

[alta van zyl]

   Looks good! 

[nolan]

to the site kashbrook

I really like your seashell painting I think you have done a great job of the shadings there. You have managed to capture the light in the scene beautifully. Well done.

With your October17 seascape, I agree that it lacks a focal point. It may be because of the photo itself and not the painting, but I would also have added some extra contrast to the painting. This will make it even more dramatic. You can see how I have done it in the photo below.

It looks like you had a lot of fun doing the winter coffee scene, is it on board, can't tell from the photo? I like the impressionist effect you have achieved there, almost a pointillist painting. I would personally have added more dabs in the background to make it appear more solid, similar to what you have done with the steam, but that is something you can do at any stage.

[Kelley]

On the seascape would you recommend clouds for more dramatic effect?  I almost dread painting clouds because they can be tricky.  How do you represent shadowing and depth to an early sunrise without painting puffy childish cotton-balls?  I live in a desert so it is rare that I get to see any clouds anyway, but I'm up to the challenge.  Incidentally, the painting was done from my imagination - no photograph.  I really like the sailboat  idea and adding more contrast seems to give it more depth.  I'll make some adjustments.

The same is true for the "Winter's Cup of Coffee": no picture to go by.  The scheme changed at least twice.  I realize the light shadowing isn't correct, but as we both mentioned it was entirely fun.

The seashell I struggled with a bit because although I did have a real shell model, the lighting kept changing.

I am very grateful for your suggestions and look forward to learning much more!

[nolan]

Hi Kashbrook

You could add clouds to the sunset, but I think in this case it may actually make the scene appear too "busy" when you are actually trying to create a quiet, calming effect, so adding too many clouds could undo that.

Seashell - It is a pain with the light changing when painting a live object. Usually best to stick with artificial lighting when painting a still life to ensure you have a constant light strength and direction.

[Kelley]

Agreed.  I'll save clouds for another painting.  The canvas is rather small so I don't have a lot of room for colour graduation.  I am presently hunting on line for pictures of sailboats (being careful not to copy any copywritten photographs).  I should be free tomorrow to work on it some more.

The seashell had an original solid black background. It became my gesso since I forgot to prepare the canvas! I also didn't know to thin the paint so it was straight out of the tube very thick and took about three months to dry!  It's lost a lot of luster since I didn't use any tine or linseed oil.  It's been nearly a year so I think I can do the final protective step of lacquer.  My youngest daughter seems quite fond of that painting so I'll see about putting it her room.  Thank you for the tip on artificial light.  I have since purchased a floor lamp that has a flexible neck to have the light practically on my shoulder.  Using fluorescent instead of incandescent, but I think there are some "natural" or cooler lights (in Kelvin) that may provide better lighting.  Any recommendations there?

[nolan]

I prefer to stick to fluorescent lighting, but the energy saving lamps also come in warm or cool light, so you could use them too

[Linda]

Wow, they're really good

[Kelley]

I am using the energy saving fluorescent bulbs.  They seem to be doing the job, but didn't know if there was anything better.  The new LED lights are quite expensive, but perhaps may be an option later.

Linda: I humbly thank you for the accolade. It is quite an encouragement.

[nolan]

like the avatar Kashbrook, were did you get that 

[Kelley]

It is one of my paintings. 
Feel free to use it in any way you want.

[nolan]

  i was teasing

[Kelley]

I'm glad you like it.  I know you were kidding.  My offer stands; if anyone wants to use it I'm okay with it.

[nolan]

Looking forward to seeing your next painting