Amended Trees and Tracks by Lionel Simister

Don't get depressed about it.... we all have periods like this: you make a fair amount of progress, then you seem to get stuck on a plateau and can't work out how to get up to the next level. It's how things seem to work for many of us; but you'll get up there eventually, it just takes two things: a) practice; and b) having a rest from it when you find it's getting on top of you. There are those who produce a painting every day - but while I admire them, I am not one of them: there's nothing wrong with saying "sod this for a game of soldiers" every now and then. Your painting is much improved, although I'd make that foreground shadow even stronger; you've used a purple tone - I suggest mixing a strong green, like Hookers, with a red, like Napthol crimson - it gives a very satisfactory dark, and makes use of the principle of complementaries. I know you're getting frustrated that you can't yet take your painting to where you really want it to be, but t'is not in mortals to command success, as another old bore put it.... it will come, when it's ready.

Im with Robert on this Lionel, try not to worry over it too much otherwise it will become a chore instead of a pleasure. I would pick out what HAS worked and build on that. The sky is first class, right hand tree is very good too, well, both trees are well painted in my opinion. I think there are two things I would do. The left tree is about the same colour, contrast and detail as the right hand one, it needs to be slightly warmer in tone perhaps, with a stronger light and shade and a little more detail. This would bring it forward and give your painting more depth. The second thing is for next time and is composition. The path right up the middle with a tree each side makes the viewers eye flick from one side of the picture to the other so its not tranquil. This may be why you are not happy with it but its not as apparent as technical problems. Hope this helps you a bit, I know how tough it is but we still seem compelled to do it.

Robert and Karen: thank you both so much for your constructive comments re these latest postings. You are both, of course, quite correct in all that you say. One thing I never do, Karen, is plan a picture !! I just pick up a brush and say,"Right, nice such-and -such sky today. I'll figure out later what is going to go underneath it", and away I go. As soon as it started to develop, I knew that the road down the middle was nonsense but couldn't bring myself to change it!! Your remarks re the two trees are spot on. Never mind; I've already started another picture. Thank you both so much, again.

Lionel, I understand what you mean about not being happy about a finished painting - I'm using watercolours at the moment and am finding it very difficult, but the help from Robert and Karen above is great, and that's the wonderful thing about this website. I've been watching your work developing and love the transition you're making towards a more abstract approach and this painting has plenty of good qualities, so hang on in there and with practice you'll be where you'd like to be. It's the bits that we're not happy with that guide us, and one thing I've learnt recently is to try and sketch out a composition roughly before putting paint to paper, and it really does help.

I hate going back to a painting Lionel, I feel your frustration. We all have disapointments and they drag our confidence down. But the only way is up, up, up. Lots of good advise above, and if that fails put a layer of gesso over it and paint a masterpiece!! I look forward to seeing it.

I would be on quite a high, Lionel, if I could achieve the effect you have with the trees! It's lovely and is very distinctive in style.

Seok has got in there and said it again Lionel, what a joy this is, the marvellous trees set up this scene beautifully