Thistle II

It doesn't work. The red is the highest chroma and the edges are the hardest, making it magnetic to the eye and very off-putting. If you feel your original image is too monochrome (I don't) you could develop the reddish tints in the stems and background sepals.

Thanks, Owen. I see what you're pointing out.

I had actually thought about adding some reddish tint to the stems (Which is something that happens to the blooms as thy mature).

Or develop more highlights / translucence on some of the sepals of the front thistle. You've hinted on one, and that is lovely. That bright spot would draw the eye to your main subject.

I take Owen's point but it's a very eye catching painting

I hope you get some more opinions Skylar. Seeing how others respond to the same painting is one of the joys of art.

I like both versions and think the crimson flower does accentuate this version, although the monochrome is fabulous....the archichokes are realistic and look great, with that rhubarb streak on the stem, fabulous!

Both versions are great, I think the red adds interest and depth.

I like this Skylar and the colours are really eye catching.

Not sure about the hibiscus. Does it belong with thistles/artichokes? Great colours though.

I really appreciate all the feedback. I create without much contemporaneous imput, as I sit in my studio alone. This is probably familiar to most of you, as well. Linda - I spent 30 yrs. in L.A., where I did have those thistles and hibiscus growing "together". Everything grows in California, I think. Not so much here in southern Texas.