Not Abstract!

I might just have another go Louise, when I've had a think about it.....and maybe a couple of dozen G&T's...lol

Fiona better? debatable. This one is more finished I agree. you have concentrated on the bird detail I felt the first attempt was looser but both lovely David Harrison

Lovely painting lovely person

Somehow I missed the first version but have just viewed it. I prefer this one, it is brighter and the kingfisher is more prominent. Love the kingfisher streak in the RH corner too. It definitely has a more abstract feel to it, I really like it.

Ah, the reeds, the reeds! Thanks for posting this Fiona as I was interested to see it. Now, I see what you mean. It is rather like the first one and although very good, not really an abstract version. I can see immediately exactly what this is, especially the kingfisher so agree with you. Now I'm not sure how I'd tackle it but hows about picking up on the pointy reed shapes..bold, pointed triangles in greens with splashes of the kingfisher colours randomly placed. Start very small just to give yourself some ideas without spending too much time. Worth a go I think and if you do, good luck and post it for us to see. Having said all that, I'd be interested to see what Michael thinks as he's good at abstracts. Also, this painting is very good and painted with confidence.. A couple of G&T's will help..LOL

Still has the little gem of a bird. Very pleasing abstract Fiona.

A lovely painting, pure and simple!

Abstract or not this is a beautiful painting, Fiona. I like the texture, the dark and lighter colours work well together and the bird with its splash of colour is perfect!

This is a success whatever you first aimed for. I suppose it would be an abstract without the definite bird shape and, instead, kingfisher colours here and there. I couldn't do it either Fiona, I start out trying and end up going in the same usual direction. Or how about taking a print, cutting it into equal sized sections and randomly re assembling. Then paint a version of that? It's beautiful anyway so there you go.

I like it a lot Fiona but to make it even more abstract how about removing the detailed kingfisher and replacing it with more random flashes of kingfisher colours like the ones bottom right and left. (after you've had your GT's of course:) )

Haven't had my G&Ts yet, Woops it ain't the weekend, but I didn't see this as abstract, a point I have made on my own posting today. I do like and agree with Val's comments and maybe combining that with the wise Louise's words I would very much like to see it. You are good at small recogniseanle birds too.

Very well worked Fiona

Very interesting discussion here. Your painting which is really lovely, Fiona, is an impression of reeds but not an abstract. I think that you have done an extremely good job with oils because this is not an easy subject at all. There are lovely marks and movement in the reeds and the variation of greens is very good. Let's see what happens next!?

You are such a smashing lot and it's you that make this site such a lovely community to be a member of. I wouldn't even try half the things I try if it wasn't for the hints, tips, advise, bullying.....(Louise) and just friendly encouragement. I thank you all for your ideas and participation in my flight into abstracts. I WILL try another( with or without the G&T's) and I WILL make you proud!!!LOL..... Thank you X

Lovely rich colours here Fiona! The Kingfisher sets the scene off perfectly.

I do agree with Val, just using the flashes of blues and oranges instead of the detailed kingfisher would make it much more of an abstract painting. It's got great possibilities Fiona, not a G&T person myself more Sauvignone Blanc! Look forward to seeing how this progresses.

Who? Moi? I'm in the 'friendly encouragement' group...LOL. Tomorrow will be ok for the next one and after all the helpful advice given, you have little choice but to go for it...LOL (again!)

Thank you Sarah! Yes I've got some good advise and ideas to have a think about Christine......I'm not a G&T person either, well, maybe one or two at Christmas!lol Thank you for your encouragement. Louise...'friendly bullying camp' more like....lol. I've booked an appointment to see my shrink......better look for that Saturday job!lol

A very interesting painting, Fiona. Like a number of others, I do not see this is an abstract - more impressionist, particularly if the kingfisher was "impressionised" - is that a word? It is now. Flashes of colour is typical of the sighting of a kingfisher so it would fit in rather well, I think.

Love the colours in this Fiona, and it has a nice rhythm to it. You could perhaps make it more abstract by defining the shapes of the leaves more and creating a pattern with them, if you see what I mean?

Many thanks Lionel and Jenny....I've got a few ideas that I'm hopeing will make it come under the catergory of 'abstract', we'll see what you all think, if it's a yes or no when I post it.

You could call it semi-abstract, Fiona! I love it! It distills the quality of the grass and retains the essence of what is beautiful. Full of movement and life.

Thanks Seok! I've done two more since this one, each one is leaning a little more to the abstract type. I've had enough of now.....lol