Time to get up by Peter Nelson

For the life in me I can't see why you wouldn't be satisfied with this one Peter. It as a calmness about this scene. Great subject matter, and painted with admirable skill. I like the strong contrast of the dark trees against the glow in the sky and the reflections are brilliant. If you really would like some criticism, I find the foreground foliage at the bottom a little distracting, Other than that I would be really happy if I could paint this scene with such competence.

I.m with Chris here Peter, I really struggle to criticise a lovely tranquil painting, the darks are very dark indeed but they are like that on such a bright day.

I'm just speechless with admiration. I think I will stop viewing the gallery; the skills on display makes me depressed!

Wow - yes, as Lionel says, speechless. Terrific painting, Peter.

I think the darks are too black - on the other hand, you've caught that particular light which early mornings can give. And I struggled very hard to come up with ANY criticism, but was just interested to see if this might have been one of the reasons why you're unsure about it. For my taste - and that has nothing to do with technical issues - it's a little "hard", just that bit too sharp and clear-cut. For others though, that might be one of its principal virtues.

Superb lighting and reflections, love it.

It's a great piece, Agreeing with Robert, perhaps I'd let the morning mist visible in the background permeate the scene a touch more. But this is nit-picking.

Thank you every one for you comments, Chris you are right, the painting does have strong contrast but that's what attracted me to the subject, I'd never painted anything like this before. I also understand your view regarding the foreground foliage, but this was panned in from the off because of my use of masking fluid. Robert, over the past few months looking at other artist styles I realise that I love and admire other people's styles and work and wonder how they achieve what they do but when I see work by Gillian Marklew and Alan Goodall I get drawn into them so deeply. I've realised that detail is where my passion lies but softening the pallet maybe what is needed. Time will tell. Back to the painting, my questioning was about the final light - dark range and that I should have aloud more light to penetrate from the early morning sun. This could have been done by leaving out the foliage from the tree on the righthand side of the midsection boat house, giving more definition and impact to the foreground tree. Also Kim's suggestion about the early morning mist could have helped, a point I will certainly think about in the future. Thank you all again for comments, with out them it's difficult to move forward.

Hi Peter, thank you for your comments on my old paintings, I cant really afford to paint on canvas anymore, so I have found cheaper ways of carrying on my art, drawing I find so relaxing, painting is frustrating, but I like Acrylic inks, I can mix my own colours, I found with the pastels I couldn't get the colours right, you seem to be enjoying the pencils, your excitement is contagious, maybe I might try them , maybe!!