25 - Sand Dunes on the Beach

[MaryAnne Long]

Neil,

This looks lovely.  It has a great sense of style.  Love the subtleness of the sunrise.

aloha

mea

[Val]

Nicely done Neil. 

[nolan]

you do struggle with some paintings more than others for some reason, but this one turned out great
If I had to be picky I would say that the footsteps recede too quickly. At the distance we are seeing they will become only slightly smaller

[Neil Todd]

  Nolan I like it when you're picky and thanks for feedback on my other work greatly appreciated

[Sacgal/Sharon]

Details

It's interesting going from using a palette knife to using a brush...definitely less vibrancy. I really tried to paint those darn birds, but I just couldn't get them correct. Plus my husband said he likes the scene as is - which is always a good excuse to put the brush down!!

[nolan]

looks great - I like the grass a lot just be careful of making the waves so straight - they seldom come in straight like that, but rather in a curve

[Val]

I have to agree about the waves. As they are, it almost gives the impression of a drop off. Otherwise it's great.     

[MaryAnne Long]

Sharon

Love the white sand beach.  I agree about the waves and the drop off look.  Maybe soften that dark blue line in the middle to lessen the drop off effect.

The upper set of waves has a nice curve; maybe try to make the bottom set similar.


I really think you are doing beautifully with oil.

aloha

mea

[Sacgal/Sharon]

Thanks Mea, Nolan and Val. And I see what you mean about the waves. I’ll correct that and soften the blue and will repost!!

[Sacgal/Sharon]

Details

I’ve always been water  challenged when painting, evidenced by my struggle with the waves. Have I put too many in now? practising my curves!! 

[MaryAnne Long]

Sharon,

You have great elements here, but have let the waves engulf you.  Been there; done that.

You have horizontal waves along the horizon and curvy vertical ones in the foreground.  Does your reference photo show direction and that many? 

When in doubt, use what the reference photo has.

aloha

mea

[Neil Todd]

Great job Sharon it is a tough one this just looking back at my effort the only things I got right were the sky and the seagull I thought I’d got the footprints ok but Nolan said they were too far apart what he didn’t know was it was Usain Bolt running on the beach anyway we learn a little from every mistake so this time next year I’ll be in the Royal Academy

[Sacgal/Sharon]

Details

Mea - you were right - I was waving a bit too much! So I studied Nolan’s painting and have made some adjustments. I need to stop fiddling on this now.

Thanks Neil! I’ll have to work on footsteps and birds another time. Like Usain it’s time for me to “bolt” from this painting!! And one day soon we’ll all be able to say “we knew him when” after you get into the Academy!!

[MaryAnne Long]

Oh, yes, Sharon.  Much better now. Nothing like a good tweak!

aloha

mea

[Sacgal/Sharon]

Thanks Mea! I do appreciate your suggestions a lot!!