Ullswater

Hi Carol, I really think you are very talented, I like all of your paintings. Splintered wood effects i am not sure about, and think you have already achieved a lovely tree stump. It is amazing that this picture to me, can sometimes look like you have used pastels, especially on the water, really lovely effect.

This is an other nice scene Carol, just what we need with all the rain we are having. I think the tree stump works well, I do feel with all your work you should 'take a lttle more water with it' as the doctors say. In the foreground it does not matter as it gives texture but in the distance the hard outlines draw the eye. I sometimes add a little water and lift off a little dry colour with a tissue. As you gain experiece you will mix stronger washes with more water.

I think it works well as it is :)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with your tree stump Carol, just enough detail and I like the angle of it. I tend to agree with Stephen about the background, just a few tones lighter and perhaps a little cooler in colour would really make the stump stand out. Your greens by the way are excellent, I can't mix believable greens, I envy you. Lovely sky and your trees are great! Did you find this one easier to do than the last painting Carol?

Thanks to you all for your comments. I agree with what you say Stephen about the the hard outline drawing the eye - I knew there was something wrong but needed the expert advice to explain. I take on board all the comments but have decided to leave it in it's original form to remind me how to improve. Fiona -on the question of whether I found this easier than the last painting -the last one I did was the "after Alan Owen" and I found that easier to do -Alan had done all the hard work it was just a case of following his colours etc.

I think as long as you enjoyed doing what you've completed, how you get there is unimportant.