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Seeking advice on how to improve photo reference for a painting
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Posted
Hello!
I am hoping to paint this photo I found in my attic that was taken back in 1990... I love the three figures in the front but I'm not satisfied with how the background looks. Does anyone have advice about how I could alter the background to strengthen the composition, color, balance, etc?
I'm mainly worried about the excessive amounts of green foliage that take attention away from the kids.
Thank you!
Posted
Agree with the others - demolish the building: it leads your eye out of the picture. Greens help to complement pinks, browns and reds, so I also agree that your painting won't be hurt by including them, though you could try cooler greens and blues.
If you look at YouTube at all, take a peek at the oil paintings of .... damn': this happens more and more, I've just completely forgotten his name! Anyway, a French artist, whose work is shown on Eliane Debard's channel - Christian Arnould! He's particularly good at placing figures in landscapes, and his colour palette should be of help.