S-2-fitty, I am having a difficult time determining how much detail to include and how much to leave out. One thing that is nagging at me is since the layout in this area is about 90% water and 10% bridge, the backdrop may need more detail to keep the scene interesting. I have gone back to Mike C's backdrops that were linked to in another thread - they are very surreal and represent a cold gloomy day, with mostly darker colors and haze. It is some great work and really conveys the mood. Unfortunately, I've got a bright sunny day to deal with, and this also pushes me to more detail.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the concept of minimalization on the backdrop, but as I do the painting, wihtout even thinking, I find myself paying attention to the small details. And there is the dividing line between "artist" and "duplicator". The artist can look at the photos and determine what it is that defines the scene, and leave the rest out. I'm not to that point yet.
I did read that one way to develop that skill is to place the photo in a photoshop program, and then increase the contrast greatly while varying the brightness. This helps show the basic areas of the photo. I need to do that, practice looking at stuff, and determining the basic elements of the scene. I tell you, I do have a newfound respect for artists.
Okay...
So here are the real photos:
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And with the trunks from last night:
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And with a medium green stippled on, mainly across the horizontal middle of the painted area:
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The stippled on lighter green at the top, and darker green at the bottom:
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Then used the photo to stipple on an even lighter yellow green in places where the foliage is bright and stands out, and used a thin black wash to darken some areas under the foliage as per the photos. I still need to do more of the shadows and highlights. Also still need to do the foliage on the pine trees.
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Now... because this thing could go on forever, adding this, touching up that, I am asking you guys to give some constructive criticism. What do I need to work on? Suggestions please!
I haven't put the light blue washes on yet which will haze things out and blend them in a bit, and add some distance. One thing that I notice is the light blue house on the right. Needs some work....