Aira Force

It's got great colours and depth and I certainly would expand that water can't wait to see it as an oil painting, lovely

Thank you very much, Linda, for the very encouraging response to this sketch. Pleased you confirmed the need to expand the pool. It seemed like an opportunity missed to me, with the potential for greater space/depth staring straight at me. It's really been worthwhile because I'm forming a clear idea of where I want to go with this. I've kind of avoided Aira Falls, because they've been painted a zillion times by a zillion artists. I liked Turner's sketch very much, mainly because of his ability to add something new to everything he painted. Well, England are about to kick off, so I'm off. *smile* Brian

Well Brian you’ll be happy with England at least at half time, as you should be with this super painting. I agree you could make more of the water and it would be good to see it in oils though it’s very impressive in acrylic. I love your rocks.

It looks very impressive Brian and yes, I agree the pool should be larger, saying that, I would be very pleased if I had painted this!! I await the oil painting.

Thank you very much, Tessa and Margaret, for the generous comments. Appreciated. I couldn't believe the half time score, Tessa, mainly because we're used to watching them miss, but WHAT a performance. Thanks for pointing out the bits that caught your attention; it really helps, and thanks for mentioning the pool and rocks. Pleased you think the pool should be lengthened, Margaret, and that the painting is generally on track. A nod in the right direction always helps when making those final decisions. Best to both Brian

Looking fab Brian. Great water and love the colour in your rocks and foliage. ... and yes we won after yet more Harry Kane hugs :)) and we still have all our fingernails on this occasion.

You had me laughing again, Rachel. Thanks for the really fab comments. Always welcome and appreciated. Harry's the man, and yes my finger nails are intact. *smile* Brian

Love this, can't wait to see the finished work... I agree with Linda, expand the water, perhaps lighten the sky a touch,under the bridge to give even more drama to a very dramatic piece. Really good all together!

I agree Brian, the pool is as important as the falls are.......even if just to demonstrate the power in the fall of water when it hits the pool. It’s going to look fabulous if the pre-sketch is anything to go by. Can’t wait!

Thank you very much, Thalia and Fiona, for the kind and encouraging comments. Appreciated. There seems to be a growing consensus that suggests the pool must be expanded. I will follow that advice with eager brushes. *smile* Good points both. I'll do my best. Best Bri

Brian , as I see the painting now , it is layered in thirds coming down the view , with the water dropping down the centre line.. If I cut the painting off at top of bridge level , I like the presentation better straight the way because there is more variation in the layers. It is relative to what you are focusing on - the falls or the pool. If I was to increase the pool view then I think the bridge might have to disappear just leaving the cut.

Thanks, Mike, for the great analysis and suggestions. Very much appreciated. I'm looking to keep the gorge view but I think you could well be on to something. The sky COULD be dropped a touch, leaving room for some extra water in the pool. I'm not thinking about developing a large pool, more about extending it by as much again. If this was framed, for example, too much of the pool would be hidden. The bridge is almost iconic so I just have to keep it *smile*. I was actually toying with the idea of adding a couple of walkers looking over the side, which is a very common sight, to add to the scale of the falls. I know how big the force is from personal experience but the casual viewer might never have been to this area. Much to think about. Brian

Ohhh love th2os place. You have captured its beauty In those rocks and folage around with the colours in them. The plunge pool isnt that big there really is it, maybe make it a little bigger but not at the expence of the sky and the trees they are needed to show how big this place is. I cant wait to see what you come up with as you finish piece if this is your sketch as this honestly is gorgeous.

Having tried this myself from a photo from a visit there you have now encouraged me to give it another go ! Really good and yes I understand the pool comments.

Thank you very much indeed, Jennifer, for the lovely comments. Appreciated. I missed this reply so I apologise for my tardy response. I think you're right about the pool. In real life it isn't a great deal bigger, although only about a third is currently showing. The pool empties, quite quickly, into the fast flowing river, and the force keeps topping it up. I'm looking forward to the oil painting myself and feel a sense of nervous trepidation as I contemplate the size etc. *smile* Brian

Thanks for confirming the pool comments, Richard. Appreciated. I'm a bit slow in responding to your comments, so I apologise for my late reply. It was GREAT to read that you're thinking about having another go at Aira Force. It's easy to see why artists are drawn to this beautiful waterfall and woodland. I would genuinely love to see your version, so best of luck with it. Brian