Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
WIP a bit stuck…
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
I started this a couple of weeks ago, and have put it to one side since then as am not happy with it.
I’m stuck with what to do with the background, and I want to complete that before I continue with the birds and the table. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I also note the perspective of the table isn’t symmetrical… is that noticeable and should I change it?
The actual background was uninteresting dark foliage with a big lime green bus in the way..
Posted
I don't think the symmetricality of the table matters: I'd do for "near enough" on this occasion.
The background, though - you've got a blue-green segment on the right of the picture which doesn't read well with the rest; presumably that's where you stopped for a think, though.. going for anything complicated is going to involve a good deal of re-painting of the birds, so I'd be inclined to add warm glazes, but keep the cool green detail beneath them, in order not to compete with the colours of the birds or their impact.
It's already a fine bit of work, but I know you to be a perfectionist: if in doubt, do the usual - put it away where you can't see it for a few days, then reveal it to yourself again, and with luck the solution will jump out at you.
Posted
Robert, the lighter background on the right hand side is just glare from a lamp. It’s all the same speckled green texture at the moment. Maybe if I do more on the subjects, I’ll forget what’s ‘wrong’ with the background!
Thank you both for comments 😀
I put a picture away for a year once, as it was bugging me, and when I went back to it I couldn’t remember what had bugged me about if a year earlier!
Today though, painting a cropped close up of my brother playing his guitar.
Posted
Ach so! I did wonder about the difference in tone.
Yes, I think that when you've finished your work on the birds - they're already looking wonderful, mind! - the background will recede to its proper place, and if it's still an issue for you, I'm pretty sure a glaze or two will sort it.
By the way, I've had an acrylic with its face to the wall for a very long time, and can't work out what to do with it - there are some good bits in it, but it doesn't work as a whole; so this trick doesn't always pay off.
things. 
Posted
Super painting so far Helen, and I would also leave the menu out. I would change the table, though might not have noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it! I might be inclined to make a slight difference in tone/colour in the background, but I’m being picky, and it’s very much your painting and choice. 👏🏼
Posted
Looks like the menu is definitely going to be chopped - thanks all for the advice. I’ll have a crack at it this weekend hopefully.
I think the table symmetry issue isn’t helped by the bird on the left obscuring the left top corner of the table. I’m concerned that if I adjust the perspective on that edge, it will then be too close to the bird’s outline. I could adjust the right instead though, but didn’t really want to change it from that side.
I’ll try your photoshop idea, Collette, thanks for the tip 😊