Thistle by iona mackay

Quite a big canvas, so this will have impact - it shows a high degree of ability, so I think you can take your friends' word for it if they're telling you it's good.... If you're going to paint these botanical-type subjects at this sort of resolution, though, I think it will pay you to linger over them even longer, which acrylic enables you to do, so that you don't run any risk of falling between two stools - loose on the one hand, highly detailed on the other. Here, for example, you could have worked over the greens, in particular, with paint fattened with a heavy-duty white, to make elements stand out and enhance the three-dimensions (obviously, I don't mean slosh thick white over everything - rather, enrich the paint, the greens and yellows, making it more opaque and allowing it to stand out on the canvas. eg where the light catches it - think Rembrandt!). But this is in direct response to your request for a critique, remember - I wouldn't subject most postings to this sort of scrutiny...

Thank you Robert, I appreciate that.... and you're right, the greens were rushed a bit, it took me a while to decide what to do there.

Hi Iona. I am not a member of the forum, but I am one of many I suspect who silently look and read what's on it, including your posting. I agree with Robert. Carry on as he suggests. I have been member of this site for 4 maybe 5 years. It's inspiring as well as enlightening and as fun as you make it!

Thank you, Gudrun

Hi Iona, like Gudrun, I too am a forum voyeur......welcome to the site. I see that your first posting is an emblem of your beloved homeland and it's gorgeous! Love the close up format, it has great impact.

Lovely work Iona. the colours are great and the thistle is well painted too.

Thank you all :)

I say. From drawing to painting. Quite an achievement.