Thursday 14 July 2011

Stockwood Park Discovery Centre

Three years ago Stockwood Park underwent refurbishment and also new buildings which house a museum shop,coffee bar and exhibition areas.The exhibits here are of great historical significance to the area,not to mention beautifully sculptured gardens.
I'm trying to keep details to a minimum and concentrate more on shapes and values.I would love some feedback....constructive critisicm would be good otherwise I feel its an uphill battle.This scene I felt would be a good exercise in painting all those different shapes.
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12 comments:

  1. yasha15 July 2011 at 09:42

    Hi Azra,thanks for the concern you showed.Things were not very favorable but I am glad to be back again.:)
    You seemed to be busy as I see a lot of wonderful paintings on your blog.Well,even I need to change gears now.:)

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  2. Maria Baluis15 July 2011 at 14:50

    Azra,
    Have you tried using larger brushes to force yourself to keep things simple? It is hard to simplify and keep from painting everything we see. I struggle with the same thing. Have you ever seen Michael Chamberlain's work? He makes it look so easy. Check out his blog http://chamberlainpaintings.blogspot.com/. Also, someone recently told me about Charles Sovek, http://www.sovek.com/view/paintinganything/index.htm, there are great lessons on painting on his website.

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  3. Elizabeth Frazier16 July 2011 at 15:28

    Azra, I struggle with keeping it simple (as you know), so I can't offer any help there. Looks like Maria has some good advice. Michael's work is good, haven't seen Charles work yet. In this piece, I'm drawn to the end of the bench/ledge where your edge is lost ~ yet I know it's there. The brush work in that area, especially in the shadows under the bench is excellent.

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  4. karen s stitt16 July 2011 at 17:14

    I see what Elizabeth means about the bench edge area. Maybe if the cement bench was a shade different in color? Otherwise I think it sings!

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  5. Elizabeth Frazier16 July 2011 at 18:49

    I didn't express that well, I LIKE the lost edge, it lets me add to the painting, because in my mind, I know the edge is there. It's a light thing I guess ~ and it does sing! :)

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  6. Azra16 July 2011 at 20:19

    Thanks Yasha,glad to have you back in the blogging world safe and sound.

    Thankyou so much Maria!! My next painting will definitely be with a bigger brush and I will also be following the lessons by Charles.Yes I have seen Michael's work' I am always impressed with his brushwork.

    Hi Liz,there is no doubt your work is awesome with or without the details.The bench area is looser because I fussed over it the least!! Your feedback has helped me see the areas that work,thankyou so much.

    Thankyou so much Karen,I think you're right, the bench would be better in a different shade.

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  7. Linda Nickles18 July 2011 at 00:13

    I think you have done a great job with shapes and values here. The curve of the bench is especially nice.

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  8. padmaja19 July 2011 at 03:01

    I like the way the values in green and browns are used,, the shapes coordinate with each other, I am struggling to keep the details to minimum all the time :-)

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  9. CHRIS MURRAY19 July 2011 at 13:55

    I think you've done a great job simplifying. I struggle with it a lot often wiping 3+ times with a painting and simplifying with each new attempt. I agree with Maria, Solvek is a great painter to study for getting at those shapes. Also, Peggi Kroll Roberts might help. But stick with your style which I really love.

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  10. Azra21 July 2011 at 09:19

    Thankyou so much Linda.

    Thanks Padmaja,it does'nt look like you struggle,your paintings are fantastic. : )

    Thanks Chris,I will definitely look up Peggi.

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  11. Giselle Vidal McMenamin23 July 2011 at 20:17

    Hi Azra,

    If it's not too late to stick my two cents in- I think the piece is really very strong. I love the comp as a whole and the simplification of the large shapes the only thing I might adjust is the curvature on the bench. It seems just a tad turned too much towards the left- in other words twisting as a whole towards the left and doesn't quite feel grounded perpectivewise. Hope that helps and doesn't hinder. Looking forward to more!

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  12. Azra23 July 2011 at 22:14

    Thanks Giselle,its not too late and you're right,the perspective is a bit off.I think rather than try to fix this one I will give it another go.Its something I very rarely do but I think would really help me to learn.You certainly have helped. : )

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Thankyou so much for taking the time to comment, its always a pleasure receiving each and every one.

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