The Critique Blog

Oil Critique: "Hillside of Poppies"

Brian Riley — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Hillside of Poppies 2008, oil, 24 x 30. I have a few suggestions to offer for this painting. The artist may want to consider showing some cast shadows across the path. These shadows would have the same direction as the shadows of the trees, bushes, and...(read more)

Oil Critique: "Portrait of an Old Man"

Brian Riley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:48:00 GMT

Portrait of an Old Man by Roger Burch, 2009, oil on linen, 20 x 16. The artist of this painting may want to consider lightening the irises of the eyes—especially the man’s right eye, since it is farther away from the viewer. Some edges of...(read more)

Oil Critique: "Welsh Landscape"

Brian Riley — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Welsh Landscape by Patti DeWitt, 2007, oil, 16 x 20. A common challenge in painting summer landscapes is that there is usually so much green. In these cases artists can take lots of “artistic license” and have fun mixing lots of different...(read more)

Watercolor Critique: "Mountain"

Brian Riley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Mountain by Michele A. Congdon, 2008, watercolor, 18 x 22. Three things would help this painting. First, the artist can vary the softness and hardness of edges. Edges in the distance can be made softer, even losing some into the sky. Second, the artist...(read more)

Watercolor Critique: "Sofie"

Brian Riley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Sofie by Nora Velastegui Pettersson, 2004, watercolor, 22 x 18. The artist has created an engaging portrait of a young woman. I especially like the simplicity of the nose and the mouth. The forehead has a great sense of roundness. Parts of the hair could...(read more)

Pastel Critique: "Mountain Stream"

Brian Riley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Mountain Stream by Mary Ann Stafford, 2008, pastel, 18 x 24. The rocks and water in the foreground are very effective. I would like to have more of an impression that the water on the back waterfall is moving toward the viewer and connecting with the...(read more)

Oil Critique: "Jealous Much?"

Brian Riley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Jealous Much? by Sheri Crawford, 2008, oil on Masonite, 16 x 20. Bravo! This painting is strong in both concept and execution. It really does not need any “fixing.” A good exercise in this case is to consider alternate ideas for a piece. Another...(read more)

Oil Critique: "Teaching Grace"

Brian Riley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

For this painting, our critic discussed the importance of background color.

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Oil Critique: "Rapid Reflections"

Brian Riley — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Our critic discusses the use of shadows in this water-filled landscape.

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Oil Critique: "Montana Fall"

Brian Riley — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Our critic discussion color choices when creating a landscape painting.

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Critique: "Still"

Brian Riley — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Our critic offers her suggestions for this portrait of an old man.

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Acrylic Critique: "Blue Longing"

Brian Riley — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Blue Longing by Crystal MacEachern, 2007, acrylic on paper, 12 x 14. My main recommendation for this floral painting concerns illumination and shadow. There is a hint of shadow rendering in the centers of the flowers, and this concept needs to be used...(read more)

Oil Critique: "Winter Day Rock Channel"

Brian Riley — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Winter Day Rock Channel by Karl Terry, 2009, oil on board, 8 x 16. Being in the middle of summer it can be hard to look at a winter scene, but this one is very appealing. The colors and the composition both work. There are two minor changes I would suggest...(read more)

Charcoal Critique: "Landscape"

Brian Riley — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Our critic discuses the importance of texture when portraying the mass of the land against the sky.

The Critique Blog

Oil Critique: "Hillside of Poppies"

Oil Critique: "Portrait of an Old Man"

Oil Critique: "Welsh Landscape"

Watercolor Critique: "Mountain"

Watercolor Critique: "Sofie"

Pastel Critique: "Mountain Stream"

Oil Critique: "Jealous Much?"

Oil Critique: "Teaching Grace"

Oil Critique: "Rapid Reflections"

Oil Critique: "Montana Fall"

Critique: "Still"

Acrylic Critique: "Blue Longing"

Oil Critique: "Winter Day Rock Channel"

Charcoal Critique: "Landscape"

Charcoal Critique: "Kevin"