Avebury Sheep by Amanda Bates

I like the composition and rhythm of the painting; I suppose one could argue that the trees are framed within the stones, which "they" tell us not to do - ie that shapes within a painting should ideally not be defined by other shapes but overlap them. However, if you had extended the trees that would probably have unbalanced what is a successful composition. You could call this thinking aloud, or wittering on..... No: I think it works just fine as you've painted it, and the colour works well - I really don't like to paint from monochrome prints: the only thing worse is painting from coloured ones; but I think you've more than met the challenge.

Thak you for the compliments, Robert. It's possible that shrinking the trees might have worked - but I just saw a composition that I liked and (re)used it. It's not a "rule" that I knew, but then, my art tuition was piecemeal at best. Now that I know the rule, I can break it deliberately, instead of by chance... I don't trust photographic colours at all, nor do I like working under artificial light - but I do like challenges...

... I just just lovel those stones and before Robert mentioned it I hadn't thought particularly about the trees. I thought the composition good - works for me.

Thank 'ee kindly, Gudrun. Avebury is brilliant anyhow. One day I will take my paints to visit it.

Your colours are knockout Amanda and lovely lambs as well and the sky of course!