All Media Photo Challenge15, January, 2012

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 8 Feb 2012 10:26 AM

Well, I finally got around to the January Challenge.  Here is "Wind in My Sails" which was a good exercise and I learned some things.  I wasn't able to get a copy that was true to the original but this is the best I could get.  I'm not at all happy with the flowering shrub but I don't think that I'll play with it any more.

Oil pastels on hp wc  paper that was prepped with acrylic paint and Colorfix Clear Primer which is also acrylic.  10"X12"

sandichot wrote

on 8 Feb 2012 12:55 PM

Sammy- Wow! You turned  mundane objects into interesting and beautiful arts piece. I see depth everywhere as in the two clothing lines, the back line recedes and the hanging clothes are not detailed. I see shadow on the lawns and grass at the back is lighter in color. There are several planes on the trees at our right. The little bird got smaller than in the planning stage and still very cute. I also see reflection in different colors on the white blouse and towel. Beautiful!   

The flowers themselves are lovely. You said you are not happy with the flowering shrub, I don't know you mean the shrub or the flowers. If you don't mind what I am going to say, IMHO, flowers could be spread with different values i.e. some violet, dark red and some white. You might be happier with it even though it will be different from the ref. photo.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 8 Feb 2012 7:19 PM

Sandi, thank you for your kind comments.  You are so right, the flowers do need to have more values and more variety.  The shape is too static as well.  I was tired of it and decided to give it up since it was at the stage where it needed to set for a while to let the OPs firm up..  Maybe after I'm away from it for a few day, I'll work on the flowers and shrub.  And then, I may not.  I won't ever use this painting for anything unless I put it in the laundry room.  Landscapes are my weakness and I probably should push myself to work it out.  Please don't ever hesitate to offer your critique.  It truly is welcome and appreciated.

csebeling wrote

on 9 Feb 2012 8:23 AM

Sammy- Nice job on the Wind in my Sails! I especially like the tree on the left and the shadows in the grass. The little bird is keeping watch and I'm sure he will let Mama know when the clothes are dry and ready to be brought inside. 

csebeling wrote

on 9 Feb 2012 8:26 AM

Meca- Your drawings are WELL done!  It looks like you're ready to put it all together, too! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work!

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 9 Feb 2012 4:40 PM

You ladies are most kind with your comments regarding "Wind in My Sails."  To be honest with you, I'm embarrassed that I posted it before it was done.  I was just ready to move on to something else.  I will get back to it and work on the flowering shrub, possibly making it into more than one shrub.  I also will add some texture to the grass and plant the wooden pool in the yard.  That pool is so long that it would take a giant to reach the clothesline.  I have a busy weekend but will get to it ASAP.

holland2 wrote

on 16 Feb 2012 11:24 AM

HELLO TO ALL:

I have deleted this post to copy it to the challenge thread.  I goofed!

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 29 Feb 2012 1:22 PM

 I told you that I would get around to working of this laudry paintings some more and then show it to you again.  Well, I did and I am.   Still, no laughing allowed!

holland2 wrote

on 1 Mar 2012 1:52 AM

Sammy - I'm just loving that little bird protecting the wash and wondering when he is going to mark it as his own - - that would be my only chuckle!   I remember the days when one of my chores was to hang the wash on the line and bring it back in again.  This just brings back such good fresh smells and feels and breezes and sunshine and happy days!  Love the addition of more color in the flowers - much more depth now - and they are catching the breeze just right.  I can just hear that laundry flapping away.