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The Durdle Door (progression)

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Brian J Mackay

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by Brian J Mackay

Brian J Mackay

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I started this painting with a simple line sketch, showing the horizon and rock formation. Then I blocked in some basic colours, finally refining my palette to its present stage. It's pretty much done but any comments would be welcome. One thought that crossed my mind was the inclusion of people on the beach. I have seen photos with an empty beach and photos with varying numbers of people. I especially liked seeing just a couple of individuals as they tend to emphasize scale. Are they necessary, though? That's my question.

Alan Bickley

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Yes, Brian, absolutely it does need a group of figures, for the reason you’ve stated. But I expect you already know this! Great stage demo, always interesting to see, it’s looking tremendous!

Brian J Mackay

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Thank you very much, Alan, for the comments and suggestion. I was definitely dithering so your nudge has spurred me on. Pleased you liked. Bri
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Not only for scale, but to add some life , as a even a couple of figures would do. It’s an excellent painting as it stands figure would take it up a notch or more.
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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sorry double post.

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by Paul (Dixie) Dean

Brian J Mackay

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Thanks for that, Dixie, and thanks for the thumbs up on the painting. I'll add a couple of figures soon. Appreciated. Bri

Linda Drury

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Have to agree with the others, a couple of figures would really add to your painting, great work and colours as usual though 👍😀

Brian J Mackay

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Thanks, Linda. I think there's a consensus over the people so consider it done. Thanks for dropping in to comment. Bri
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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I would bet that you're afraid of overdoing it - because I would be.   Options would include a couple of figures, or better still three - perhaps suitably distanced?  A group of gulls - I've rarely seen a coastal landscape without a gull or three.   Even a few distant yachts - a few foreground pinks (i.e., sea-thrift)?  But not ALL of those - just enough to give it that little bit of extra kick.  You may be more decisive than I am, but I'd be making studies at this point, perhaps with a splash of w'colour or gouache on odd bits of paper, and taking my time to think.  You can afford to - you've done the hard work; it's just getting balance right now.  (Just, he says!  Well, it's easy for me: I'm not painting the picture!)

Tessa Gwynne

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I agree, a couple of figures will add that little extra and nail the scale: maybe one standing and one sitting on the sand?

Brian J Mackay

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Thank you very much, Robert and Tessa, for the much valued input. Some great suggestions there, I particularly like the sea thrift idea, because it goes well with the pinky sand and the hint of pink in the rocks. I ended up with six figures, two of them children. I also added a few highlights to the rocks and sand, smoothed out some of the sea niggles I had, worked on the horizon and island to try to make the island apparent, or more apparent and just touched the odd thing up here and there. Anyway, thanks for the time, effort and thought that went into your critiques. Much appreciated. I'll post the final version with this reply. Bri PS I've also included the final version with the other three at the top of the page. It's above the other three so the progression is out of sych. B

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by Brian J Mackay

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