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Emma Price

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Hi everyone, I’ve attached a sketch of Bolton Abbey, which I’m thinking might make a painting.  But I’m unsure about the placing of the abbey within the landscape; I don’t want it any larger, but should I leave it where it is, or move it down and to the right so it’s less central? Any thoughts appreciated.

Alan Bickley

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Nice sketch Emma. Yes I would do, it’s sitting sort of half way at the moment. I’d move it down so that the base of the abbey is positioned around a third up the paper, then nudge it to the right a touch!

Emma Price

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Thanks Alan - that’s what I was thinking, but it’s reassuring to have it confirmed.

Tessa Gwynne

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I agree re the position of the abbey Emma. It’s a lovely drawing. To me, the trees on the left are rather dominant, which may be what you intended, but I’d be inclined to make them a little less so, either my making them smaller or lighter in tone. That’s just my thought, but it’s very good as is, and if you hadn’t asked I probably wouldn’t have looked so closely! Look forward to seeing the final version.
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Tony Auffret

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I agree with lowering the position of the Abbey, but would do so by shifting the perspective to bring the main tree right to the front of the foreground.  I wonder if the left hand tree should go, as it leads the eye away from the main picture.

Alan Bickley

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I’m okay with the positioning of both trees, but I’d have the left one upright so that it doesn’t lead you out of the painting. The larger foreground tree would also benefit from having less of a lean to it.

Trevor Johnson

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I really like this as it is. To move the 'abbey' lower down would lose some of the river, which is an essential part of this setting. My only comment would be to question the robin in the top left corner; is this your trademark? It looks to be defying the laws of gravity, perhaps it might be better in one of the lower corners? Finally on a pedantic point the 'abbey' shown is actually Bolton Priory, the nearby village is Bolton Abbey, 

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by Trevor Johnson

Emma Price

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Aargh, now I’m in a dilemma about the trees! Trevor, this is a small sketch from a larger page, the robin is an overhang from an earlier drawing.  And thanks for the correction, all the signs say Bolton Abbey so I assumed that was it! Thank you all for the advice, I will maybe do some more sketches and try out your suggestions to see what works best.

Tessa Gwynne

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That’s the trouble when you ask for advice Emma! We would all paint the same scene differently, as we probably all see it slightly differently, as we do your initial sketch! Good luck. At the end of the day it’s your choice and it’s a super start.

Emma Price

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Thanks Tessa 🙃
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

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Well, this had me chuckling - I won't add my two pence worth, it'll have you tearing your hair out, Emma. In the end, I'll agree with what Tessa finally says.😊

John Humber

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Too much analysis. The viewpoint is high. If you move the building down this will alter the perspective and run the risk of a confused viewpoint. 
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