Unfinished?

Those reflections are wonderful Diana.

I would leave a is - looks marvellous!!

I like it as it is too. I like the contrast between the colour and the white areas, and I think the pen work on the white areas us enough to give a sense of structure and space ..its a beautiful painting anyhow!

Thank you Sylvia. I was so pleased that the paint did what I hoped it would! Thank you David. I’m certainly leaning that way but wondered if it shorted out unfinished. I appreciate your thoughts Thank you for that Sarah. You have put into words my thoughts.

Just leave it as it is (in my opinion). The unpainted areas add a lot os depth to the whole scenery. Fantastic view!

I was attracted to it as it looks so good, I would be pleased to hang this as it is , resist the temptation to fiddle , I fear you will spoil it and regret it.

Of course it looks unfinished, but that is what gives it a special charm. It is still well balanced and I would leave it as it is.

It’s wonderful! As it stands, you have extreme tonal contrasts and this focuses the eye to the central rocks and water… Personally, I would be tempted to take it a stage further, but maintaining those contrasts which may not be easy to pull off, but I believe you can do it.

This is beautiful as it is, Diana. Less is more, I think. Those footprints on the rock are so eye catching.

If you like it, leave it. I'm a big fan of big contrasts and this looks great.

Minimum is more! Beautiful, finished painting Diana!

Am loving it as is. I think the whiteness of the sands and rocks highlights not only the footprints but also that wonderful water. Just the right amount of colour I would say.

This is really beautiful, Diana! I would leave it as it is - the brightness of the unpainted areas gives the whole thing a lift, it’s a lovely style.

That's a difficult one Diana. Personally I'd like to see a little more but is a fabulous painting just as it is too.

I can understand the temptation to leave as it is but personally would like to see it reach its full potential. A lot of interesting elements to keep the viewers attention.

This is lovely Diana. I was drawn to it on the gallery right away.

I’d be tempted to leave it like this.

Yes it does look unfinished and I like that look. The eye is taken straight away to those superb reflections. Please keep as it is.

Superb technique.

I'm in the minority who feel a little more would be good. Even just a simple warm wash in the foreground might increase the feeling of depth. But I know the dilemma. What you have done so far is so good, you're not sure you want to try it, and it's not an oil so you can't go back ! It's clearly very popular whatever you decide.

This is wonderful Diana, especially the rock markings and foreground footsteps. I’m inclined to agree with Andre Wright, that a warmer foreground wash would give depth and liveliness to your beautiful painting. Whatever you decide to do Diana I’m certain you will make the right choice.

I wouldn’t say it’s unfinished Diana. I think it’s brilliant! The reflections in the water, the footprints on the sand make it a magical painting.

Certainly doesn't look unfinished to me ! Great rocks and reflections.

Fabulous Diana!!

How interesting! It certainly works as it is, but I’m sure you would make an excellent job of ‘finishing’ this Diana. Glad it’s your choice not mine! I love the initial drawing. We were discussing at art group the other day how we plan and make a painting to fit in with a canvas/surface which is an oblong, square etc, when the scene in front of us doesn’t end at a given point. It’s something that fascinates me, and I think this is one of those moments so I wish you luck. Finished/not finished? Over to you. 🤞😊

It looks lovely as it is. You could always do a second version of it but complete the washes to compare the two versions together?

Thank you Mia. I’ve thought about what you said and it makes s lot of sense. Thank you for your opinion. Thank you Paul. Interestingly, I have just seen a much less completed painting has been selected for the RI watercolour exhibition. Thank you for your thoughts Tony. I like the being balanced comment. Thank you Alan. I really value your thoughts. Because I’m interested to see how it would develop, I’m tempted to paint another version because they may have their own merits. Thank you Ellen I’m pleased you recognise those marks ax footprints. Thank you Denise. I appreciate you giving me your opinion. I too love dramatic contrasts. Thank you Manoj. I’m interested to read your thoughts on this. Thank you Heather. Much ax I’d love to see it with more work, I would be unlikely to repeat the water with success if I was to overwork it and needed to repaint it.

Thank you for your thoughts Jenny. I’m inclined to agree with your way of thinking Thank you Russell. I really appreciate your opinion I read somewhere about putting a film over a painting to paint on to experiment Thank you William. I had fully intended to work it further and might try a smaller sketch to see how it would compare. Thanks for your thoughts Thank you for your thoughts Christine. It has the potential to grab attention and I can always do another version with more colour. Thank you for your opinion Emma. Maybe if an artist is afraid to spoil a piece by continuing , that indicates completion.

Thank you very much for your ideas Collette. I like the idea of deliberately unfinished.

I wish I could practise what I preach, but in my opinion the best artwork is never “finished” by the artist. It’s finished by the viewer who consequently becomes involved in your creative process. Ernst Gombrich, the art historian, described this as the “beholder’s share”. This is why I think you have created a beautiful and engaging picture.

Thank you Stephen. Great compliment. Thank you for your thoughts Andrew. It’s unusual for me to have this dilemma. Perhaps a second version is the answer. Thank you for your thoughts Carole. I can see why you would add a warm wash. I could try it digitally I suppose. Thanks for your opinion Spencer. It’s interesting to know that you see it as complete. Thank you Richard. I value your opinion. Maybe the pen work compensates for less colour. I haven’t really painted true pen and wash before. Thank you Audrey. That’s a solid vote of confidence That’s interesting Tessa and something Im not to skilled at. In fact, composition is quite tricky. I’d like to see two versions of this painting and there’s only one way to do that. ! Thank you for your help. Thank you David. I might just do that. I appreciate your thoughts.

That’s really interesting James and something I’ve heard spoken about by teachers. In retrospect, I feel I have lost a lot in many of my paintings by adding more!! Something to consider for the future. Thank you

The water is wonderful, but I want warmth in the foreground, otherwise I am not going down to paddle in the water.

Ha ha. Thank you Linda. I like that

I really like this Diana, so clean and fresh.

A superb work that attracts on viewing. That must mean it's a style of the painter and must be seen as such. Your art, your decision Diana. The only way it can be.

Please don't take away it's originality and turn it into just another a photograph Diana.

Thank you Carole. Its always good to hear from you. Thank you Jim. You’ve given me food for thought there. A lot of sound advice which I appreciate and will keep in mind for future paintings.

Love it as it is Diana. It has a strength and purity of light at this stage, could smother that adding more colour.

Thank you for your thoughts Fiona. You opinion is very helpful