The Fence

Lionel, I completely understand what you're saying, and just to prove it I've just posted one of mine which I enjoyed doing while I was doing it - but which would never sell unless someone came along who shared my darkier, dirtier, obsessive side. Mine is much farther from Alan's light and airy touch than yours is, and far more cluttered than yours is. You won't want to take advice from me when you see it! But all the same, I'd just put a few darker lines/marks in the facing windows of the house.

I don't know what to say Lionel to convince you, that to me, this is full of light. The golden highlights in the trees and on the hillock between the far trees, the shadows on the house and the fence posts. All these elements bring out the light in the painting. I like it very much.

Lionel this is great so don't beat yourself up but if it still troubles you one trick I had drummed into me was to intensify a few of the darks but only a few - you could try darkening up the left hand side of the posts (try a bit of broken pen work down the sdge), add a bit more dark under the trees and intensify the shadows on the houses - it seems to work for me when I am not happy with a finished work. Sorry not meant as criticism - just a comment on how I overcome a bit of dissatisfaction. I will post a recent painting where I added quite a bit of almost random pen work to give a bit of life to a painting which to me seemed to lack sparkle

I think there is so much good about this painting .we all criticise our own ,yet others.may admire them .I like the way the overall beautifull green tones are the same ,,.and I think thats a good thing. I say relax even more with simplicity .,your happy . the background hills could be a little more distant and faded to make your trees have a little more three d effect ,and your trees smaller ,but that will come,,I measure my tree height in comparrison with my house height) and place my cottages just off centre ,but all in all great, ps///some good comments above

Thank you all so very much for your kind, constructive and encouraging comments. Please be assured that I appreciate each one of them...and not only those in respect of my paintings but I also carefully read those that you give to other painters. Yes, Kirstie, you have cheered me up and I thank you for that. I need hardly add that I look forward to more of your work being posted here. And Fiona, once again you come to my aid! I always look forward to and appreciate your observations. OK, I'll have a go at some alterations as suggested above and I will post again if I think I have improved it. So thank you all again so very much!!

Sorry for the late comment, Lionel. In my opinion enjoying painting whilst doing it is very, very important. You are too hard to yourself and it is only after reading all those lovely comments above that you should realise that objective viewers appreciate your work. You are too critical to your work and I know the feeling as are many of the other friends commenting. You are not alone in this but keep on posting and you will see, we all like it!!!!! :) Mia

Thank you so much, Mia. Your comments are very much appreciated and, as always, most helpful. Whilst I am here, may I say how much I admire your work but, regrettably, am not always available to comment. At times, I find there is simply too much work of a really high standard on which to comment.

I like it, Lionel. Your paintings have a light and airy feel to it which I find very appealing and this is no exception. I think you're too hard on yourself.

I agree with Seok great light in your landscapes Lionel and it illuminates the whole scenes