Tadley Common without cattle - CRITICISM REQUESTED by Amanda Bates

There's nothing wrong with using black. The non-use of black and white in watercolour is one of those old chestnuts that is best ignored - use what your gut instinct tells you to use and if that is black, then so be it. I think you have created a nice loose impression of the scene with a good mixtures of light and darks. Your hills recede nicely as well. I sense a lack of confidence by the words 'criticism requested' as though you are expecting bad news. Have confidence in what you are exploring in your work at the moment, as I can see that you are heading in a good direction and present it with a flourish.

Thank you, Thea. I suppose I am not confident in watercolour - although working quickly and not trying to make it exactly right are helping (the benefits of getting older and busier). I mentioned my use of black because it was not what I had intended in that particular place - it seemed harsher than I had intended - but I was quite happy to use it in the shadows under the trees. I must admit, I do not want my watercolours to look like "standard" watercolours, but there are always ideas that you can take away from other people's works and, indeed, their words concerning your own work. I asked for critcism because I did not just want platitudes; I know that there is room for improvement and I recieved a lot of helpful advice the last time (although I might not have used it all).

How eloquently Thea put it ("a flourish" - delightful!). Yes, continue like that. Don't try to put too much in - concentrate on what caught your eye to begin with, and "to thine own self be true". I'm confident that this piece will always evoke the original experience for you, and as such it's a successful and expressive work of art.