Tranquillity 2

Top marks for impact Brian, is this a converted to greyscale filter from the coloured version? Certainly shows the importance of tonal values, spot on here.

Thank you very much, Alan, for the great comments. Appreciated. Yes, it's the same painting with a filter applied. A friend, from the art section of a poetry site I frequent, asked to see a monochromatic version, because it first appeared on his PC screen in black & white. The result encouraged me so much that I'm contemplating a "real" monochromatic version, possibly two, one in oils and the other in charcoal. I was really keen to see how this version would be received, so your comments are particularly encouraging. Bri

Great, love it!

Thank you very much, Heather, for the kind comments. Delighted to read that you liked this version. Most encouraging. Bri

It’s amazing, and interesting to note, that it has retained the same impact as the colour version. Of course, without the correct tonal balance initially, this wouldn’t have been so successful. Keep at it! It’s also worth remembering Brian, we don’t tend to use enough greys or say neutral tones in our paintings, often using too much colour which can work against us. I could go on....

This really stands out in the gallery, Brian - very dramatic and powerful. I really like it.

Thanks again, Alan, for the wise and accurate comments. I'm often guilty of overcooking the colours and yet always admire those who don't. I must admit I was surprised by the effectiveness of the B&W version. Thank you very much, Jan, for the kind and supportive comments. Delighted you liked. Bri

Being in monochrome seems to emphasise the drama and especially the light in the sky and on the ocean. A lot to learn from this Brian. I’m also guilty of over using colour when it isn’t always necessary, as the simplicity and impact of this painting demonstrates.

Sensational Brian, you must paint a 'real' monochromatic version!

Lovely work Brian.

Thank you very much, Carole, Russell and Caroline, for the kind and helpful comments. Much appreciated. A lot to learn indeed, Carole. It took me by surprise, even though I know a greyscale pic often reveals tone and depth. It's a good experiment. Will do, Russell. I'm in the middle of two other South Shields Paintings, but I'm already thinking about which medium might work best and how to approach the task. Pleased you liked this piece, Caroline. Best to all Bri

Converted to gray-scale or not, this just shows how good the original painting is. Switching color paintings to black and white is simple on a computer, but they don't all come out as well as this. I love black and white work, I see you may attempt some in paint. I shall look forward to that. (Even on the photography side, I prefer B/W to Color).

Thank you very much, Lew, for the generous comments. Always appreciated. I've just been for a 4 mile walk, in the rain, through the woods, and I thought about the possibilities of a grey-scale painting for much of the way. I like the idea and will probably start once I'm close to finishing my current painting. I'll probably give charcoal a bash first, though, to study the progression. Always good to hear from you. Bri

PS I forgot to say how much I also like B & W photos, Lew, much preferring them for portraits. The Lake District looks sensational in B & W, as it gives them a flavour of their age. They're as old as the hills. Bri

Yes Bri a storming piece here top drawer production superb

Thank you very much, Dennis, for the amazing comments. Very much appreciated. Bowled me over, you did. Bri

You are so good at tranquil scenes and this monochrome version works so well. I agree with Alan that it would not have worked as well if the tones on the colour version were not spot on. Nice one Brian.

Very kind of you, Barry. Thank you very much for the generous comments. Much appreciated, as always. Bri

wow...I love the drama of this one, stunning