"The Lady of Trees"

There is no such thing as a purist (although there are still a few menbers of the old School of Pomposity around who think there is) - its all about choice and having chosen to use masking fluid you have made it work for you and, in doing so, you have achieved a super picture Fiona.

Beautiful work Fiona.

This is really my 'cup of tea', Fiona. I love monochrome work (as you probably already noticed!). I don't mind the masking fluid. The result is a stunning, beautiful painting!

You are so good at these. I love the subtle tones of the wet in wet trees in the background, it makes them look so soft if that makes sense.

Thanks very much Michael for your comment, I try not to use masking fluid but sometimes there's no other option when you want crips whites against a wet in wet backgorund wash. Thank you Denise, Mia and Val for your encouraging words.

Fiona, I'll have to go and look up the quote - it's wonderful. Sometimes masking fluid use can look a bit clunky, can't it, but not in your painting. You've used it with such restraint it doesn't jar at all. Did you scratch out the pale trunks in the background while the wash was still a little damp? I often get pigment collecting at the end of the scratching out, no matter how carefully I try to time it.

Another great painting Fiona, you make it look so effortless. I too like the monochrome look.

Beautiful painting Fiona, lovely birches

Thanks Caroline. The rest of the quote is as follows; .....Left hostage, while the galley draws away, beating it's rise and fall on manifold oar, beating a pathway to the broken coast, forgetful of it's ghosts? I didn't scratch out in this instance, I used a dry, damp brush (if that makes sense) it gives a softer edge than scratching out. It doesn't really matter about timing you can do it as and when, better done before the wash is dry though, of course.

Glennis, Petra thank you both very mch.

Very effective, Fiona; you are so good at the wet in wet technique - not an easy thing, as I know to my cost!

Don't like masking fluid, but a) that's nothing to do with being a purist, and b) I'll use anything that works - and sometimes the dreaded fluid does. Apart from which I think it's your business what you use to get the effect you want - masking, opaque white, wax resist, whatever. It's the picture that matters not how you produced it. Just don't start me on "special brushes", that's all.... Indigo, like Payne's Grey, is excellent for tonal studies as you've proved with this one; the ink works really well too.

Very good Fiona, strange we both chose to do tonal sketches on the same day - great minds and all that!

Beautiful - simple and easy on the eye. I think that just one colour, used expertly, can produce a really striking painting and that is what you have done with this one. Just love your tree trunks.

Thank you Jane, Robert, Stephen and Thea your comments are much appreciated.

Very sharp, crispy shadows. Beautiful!

Hi Fiona, Super work!

This is superb, Fiona! The tonal work is excellent and the misty trees in the background really create the layers and the atmosphere. Well done!

Midori, Seok thank you both so much for your feedback, it is very much appreciated.

I love birches and your painting is just wonderful, so delicate and peaceful. Well done!

Almost missed this one Fiona, can only agree with so many of the comments already made a really nice tonal study to be proud of, like it a lot.

Many thanks Satu, Graham your comments mean a lot.

Like Graham, I too very nearly missed this one. It's a lovely piece, Fiona, of which you must very proud.

Thanks very much Lionel.

Very beautiful Fiona, I love this.

Thank you Carole, much appreciated.

Congatulations on making the top 10 for Feb - this is a lovely piece and so well deserved

I knew I was right with my comment, Fiona. Many, many congrats with your Top Ten. It is really deserved. :) Mia.

Many congratulations Fiona on making the top ten, very well deserved

Many thanks Michael, Mia and Petra for your support.

Fiona this is lovely, you have captured such an atmosphere and I love the verse. Marvellous treatment of the background. Thank-you for your kind words on my work, and many congratulations on your place in the top ten this month :)

Congrats on being chosen for the top ten.