Swimming into the future

I like the way you have painted the water, all those tiny bubbles and the seal with his nose turned up at the algae!

I think this works beautifully as a composition, but may I suggest that I would get rid of or modify, the reflection, which seems unwieldy in view of the litheness of the seal, coming too prominently forward out of the water, and taking on a solidity which a reflection doesn't have.

Damn good job on the water here... looking forward to seeing the acrylic version.

I think the wetness of the seal's head - and its slightly disdainful expression - are beautifully done, and I too look forward to the acrylic version. My mother, who has something of a thing about seals and sealions, would love this.

Many thanks for the comments. Ruth I want to keep that reflection because it's what drew me to the photo in the first place; it was so unusual and so strong considering the murky water and why I asked permission to use that photo; a sign of the pollution we are facing I think. I'm not keen on the algae at the bottom though.

Was having quick look through the gallery thumb nails (breakfast calls) and this just jumped out at me. The water is terrific and as Robert says the disdainful expression. What I especially do like is the distortion you have got of the paws/ flippers under the water. Super.

Lovely shapes and bold colours - almost abstract from afar. I like it as it is.

Hi Diana, Really like this painting very nice work.

Many thanks Paul, Avril and Sylvia. I may do this again in watercolour and try to get rid of the muddy greens. I lost the transparency at the bottom.

Terrific painting, the water is just fab, love the seal.

I totally agree with Ruth. I would lose the reflection as it confuses the eye. I think the water is very good, especially the bubbles. I also think that simplifying the water would help a lot in that it would make the seal more important. At the moment I sort of feel there is a battle going on between the water, algae and seal for pole position. I think you are alsomost there with this painting - just some minor adjustments and it will be perfect. Alway good to challenge yourself!