yellow cosmos by Ruth Dolan

Flowers are lovely and the background colours. I would darken the leaf on the right because it is of the same tone as the background.

That's interesting, Lorraine. I considered doing that but didn't want to make the leaf stand out too much. But it's nice to have a constructive comment, and I will keep that in mind. Thanks..

I really like this painting as it is. Would it unbalance the picture if the leaf was painted darker. Just a thought but don't listen to me.

Could you just pick the left hand edges out a bit stronger and lose the right hand side into the wash? Love the use of negative spaces and the flowers are beautifully painted. Thank you so much for your comments on Danny. No, he's no husky; he was a purebred Norwegian Elkhound and in his time the only one ever to qualify as a cadaver search and rescue dog as well as live people. He worked in disaster areas, earthquakes, landslides and searching for lost children with the police like after floods- in the USA not abroad. You are spot on about the coat; fluffy undercoat and waterproof top coat. I've had the same breed for over 40 years.

Thank you, Diana, I will think about trying what you have suggested. It can be difficult, don't you think, when you reach that point where you feel the work is complete, but there is just a niggling doubt, and you think 'Should I...or should I not, add a touch more?' Thank you too for the info about Danny - what marvels some dogs are, and what spirit in their eyes. I know about the breed but can't recall meeting one in the flesh, I'm sure I would have remembered it if I had. You say 40 years, and I wonder whether you have carried the same line on? My sister bred Dalmatians for many years, but the line has come to an end, and she now keeps rescue collies.

Hello Ruth, I don't usually enthuse about flower paintings, but this is superb. It shows great control of your watercolour washes and blending. I would leave the leaf as it is. It doesn't detract from the rest of the subject, or lead the eye away from the flowers. Julian

I think this is a beautiful painting. I wouldn't touch it if I were you.

Hello, Thank you for the encouraging comments on my latest posting. I'm partial to watercolour and I think yours are great specially this yellow cosmos, It's so fresh and vibrant. Cheers.

Ruth no I didn't carry on the same line, I have never bred much and never have more than 3 dogs. Thank you so much for bidding on Venice. I'm really flattered. POL didn't update the site during the weekend but I notice it hadn't been updated today so I can only assume they didn't get your bid. I think you should write to them direct because odd things seem to be happening to the bidding. Others have said they bid but it's not been recorded. I do hope things start to take off soon. Awfully demoralising for those that get no bids at all.

Thanks for the lovely comments on eth flowers Ruth. Now if I could just do negative as well as you have here.

Lovely, Ruth.<br />Also, thank you for taking a look at my work. I appreciate it.

Beautiful colour and tones, Ruth.

A good water colour Ruth. Maybe it could have been a bit strong, but it does look like a bit of an after thought though.