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Marjorie Firth

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I sit often in the dunes and " contemplate" the light etc. Here I'm trying to capture the light on the grasses, without being photographic. Some more work to be done I think, the temptation is to add in some more darks, green/ blue perhaps....tell me, is the idea working so far? Honest opinions please.

Peter Davison

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Personally I would darken the base areas of the grasses but there again I would have started with darks and worked to the lights in oil. And further...I have overworked many a painting!

Michael Robinson

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It's looking good Marjorie and I also think darks at the base of the grasses would be better.

Alan Bickley

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This is dangerous territory Marjorie, asking for an honest opinion! It's got the making of something and a good choice to use pastel. I'm not sure what those 'things' are in the distance, but they need toning down considerably. If these grasses/dunes are near a beach which I would expect, I would like to see them parted slightly, a sort of pathway almost, opening up a bit of a view to give a focal point - there isn't one at the moment. Well, perhaps those 'things' may be a focal point. Even indicate some sandy bits that aren't covered with grass.The grasses are good and spikey, but some further away need 'feathering' a bit, out of focus if you like, they are all the same and all detailed. And yes, as others have said, much darker in the foreground and perhaps to the right also, particularly if you do decide to part them as I suggested- in shadow to give contrast. Other than that it's coming on fine! This is what I would do of course, we all see things differently but you did ASK!

Edited
by alanbickley

Margaret Nisbet

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Posted
I like both versions Marjorie but I do prefer the later one - I feel using a similar blue/grey as in the background helps to pull the whole thing together (but again, personal taste) - it looks good anyway :)
DSCF4152

Anonymous User

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I like the grass shapes in the foreground of the first painting they seem to have been lost in the second, they enhance the movement and depth of the tussocks. The darker shadow effect in the second is not over the top but could be a little darker, I must agree with the others when they mention toning back the background buildings, A lovely simple subject and one that is often ignored as the main subject. and not easy to portray on its own. Well done, Marjorie

Michael Robinson

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I love it as it is.
DSCF4152

Anonymous User

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Don't go into 'fiddle' mode, its looking good.
DSCF4152

Anonymous User

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The age-old advice we're always given and give- put it away for a few days and look at it, again, with fresh eyes.
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Lewis Cooper

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Bravo for painting straight from your imagination. I prefer the second version.

Michael Robinson

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Posted
Love the latest version, with the background buildings softened and the darker colours in the grasses, and the path leading us in.

Brian J Mackay

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Posted
Ha! I see I'm late to this one, Marjorie, but thought I'd pop in to say that the latest version puts the viewer right into the heart of the dunes. The marram grasses look like they belong and the sand is spot on. It reminds me of the times I spent at Bamburgh as a child. Picnics in the sheltered dunes. What is it about boiled eggs. Bri