Winter scene,in the NOT so 'Wesson' style! by Fiona Phipps

Don't be so hard on yourself - I really like this painting

hi i think you did really well it is a very good landscape.i think it was completed before it became muddy keep the faith in yourself take care form paula

Vivienne and Paula thank you for looking and commenting.

This is good, Fiona. Be pleased with your achievements, and your willingness to take risks - your style is really developing.

If you were looking to do a painting in the Wesson style - which is a lot harder than it looks - you've just put a bit too much in, that's all. But then, you're not Ted Wesson, so let your own style and inclinations show you the way. Striving for simplicity can give you a headache! Just keep painting, simplify where you can, go for the dominant object and let the rest of the painting serve it- and I'm sure the results you want will come. Hope you know what I mean, it's not easy to convey - nor am I confident I shall take my own advice....

OK, something practical! If you had brought that very well painted tree on the right a bit further into the composition and made it the centre piece, and ruthlessly cut out any detail which competed with it (which doesn't mean no detail at all), I think you'd have solved many of your problems. Give it a go and see?

It's a really nice and well painted watercolour Fiona and the tree doesn't look muddy. I do agree with Robert however that for a focal point it's too near the edge. Nevertheless the cold of Winter is beautifully captured with just enough warm colour added too.

I hate the cold and dread dread the winter months but neverthless I really warmed to this delightful scene - and it's your own style!!

On a positive note , I think your depiction of the snow covered field with the tree shadows works well. You could try introducing another tree or figure, about a third in from the left to counterbalance the right hand tree. So many suggestions! Do you ever do a quick pencil sketch to try out your ideas before painting? I'm often too impatient and leap in, only to regret it later!

I like this Fiona. The thumbnail made me have a closer look! I like the cold atmosphere and the composition is eye-catching so, well done.

Thank you Jane, thank you Robert for your advise and encouragement. You are absolutely right I should try and develop my own painting style and enjoy the process....easier said than done though :)

Thank you Paul for your for your kind words. I hadn't set out to have a focal point to be honest, I wanted to capture the feeling of coldness, but now you and Robert have mentioned the tree on the right, I can see that moving it would have made a much better composition. I might take up your suggestion and have another go at it. Thanks again.

Thank you Michael, your trip to Italy wouldn't have anything to do with you disliking the winter months, would it?

Hi Stephen, thank you so much for your ideas, I think a figure would balance it very well. No, I must admit I never do a sketch of what I'm about to paint. If the picture I'm going to do has no buildings or other features in it, I don't do any drawing at all. The only pencil lines I made in this one where the fence posts.

I think this carries the stamp of your inimitable style, Fiona, and is quite delightful!

FIONA--- this is good.----The right hand tree and bush work give it great atmosphere

Fiona - I think you beat yourself up too much. We're never happy with what we paint but it's got atmosphere, the colour works well and it takes your eye. I often have a second go with watercolour - it is so hard to get it right first time. it would be great for the LP christmas card competition, but I agree with other comments - it just needs a better placed and probably a bit clearer focal point.

Charles you're so kind, I was after atmosphere, so your comment means a lot. Especially as YOU are the 'king' of woodland paintings!!

We sometimes are our own worst critics aren't we. I think after all the comments regarding a better placed focal point, might have another go at it and move the right hand tree in a bit as a few of you have suggested. I'll post the results....good or bad!! :) Thank you for your support Pat.

I have waited for the dust to settle before I have my pennyworth, and I hope you do not take offence. When I first saw this painting I thought the whole lot above the horizon was sky. On further examination of the enlarged image I can see the tree branches. In other words, the sky and the distant foliage are virtually indistinguishable. Also, the tonal values of the sky/distant foliage/foreground are too much alike. One last remark; what is the large greenish-grey blob to the left of the large right hand tree? I have looked at it long and hard but cannot decide what it is!. Having said that, the left and right hand trees are superb as is the fence and horizon bushes.

Hi Lionel, I'm not going to learn very much about this elusive past time if I don't take notice of constructive advise and take it on the chin. I welcome it and I thank you for it! :) The 'large, greenish blob' is suppose to be fir tree's with a dusting of snow. So pleased you like bits of it, same bits as me actually!!

That's nice, Fiona, but on reading my comments again I now realise just how insensitive I was. I apologise. You are doing so well with your Wesson approach I I just want to see more, please.

No need for apologies Lionel, I welcome your remarks......I won't sulk....promise!

Thank you, Fiona. You are very understanding! Keep on with the Wesson approach.

Silvia Turner 23 Oct 2011 Love the plums . And the snowy 'atmospheric' picture made me shiver. It captures 'that icy feeling 'so well. Great

Thank you very much Sylvia, you are very kind.