Shady Sanctuary by Ruth Dolan

Another super example of negative painting Ruth.

Thank you Fiona, I was a bit dubious about it myself, actually, although I am happy enough with the colour and composition. It started off quite differently but evolved as it went along, with many layers of paint to start with!

It isn’t as obviously negative as your last two paintings Ruth but there are definite areas where the positive shapes have been highlighted. The lovely grasses at the base of the tree on the right and where the water bubbles up in front of your duck, especially. You could even work into the trees a little more along the trunks?

Will have a look at that, Fiona. Thanks, appreciated.

Counterchange comes more to mind Ruth - light against dark and visa versa. An important aspect to all good painting. Nice work!

Clever

Thank you Alan, you are absolutely right, tonal contrast is the first thing all painters should be aware of, it helps to give the work impact.

Thanks Heather.

This is cute, Ruth, nice colours and tonal contrast as Alan has mentioned. I especially like the foreground.

Thanks for commenting, Jenny.