Brenda Cumming

Lovely acrylic work this time Brenda, lovely colours again

Thank you Ros.....am self taught and trying to learn from books !...so you might recognise various styles in my work !

I remember an art tutor of many years ago - now interred beneath the sod - who would have said of this that it's "dangerously pretty" - in other words, just a couple more colourful touches and you'd have ruined it. I don't for a minute think you have, by the way - but actually it's pretty good advice if taken with a pinch of salt: another way of putting it is "less is more", even though I admit to getting a bit irritated by that form of words, because on their own they don't mean much. This is good - you're learning from books and as you go along, and you're clearly travelling in the right direction - now and then, though, you might like to show a bit of dead grass, areas of rough texture, fallen branches: a bit of rough! I very much like your treatment of the foliage, the way the trees lean into the composition, and the way you've tackled the branches and twigs. Keep at it - just be aware of not crowding your canvas.

PS - like the simple treatment of the water, too; necessary here, to balance the detail elsewhere.

thank you Robert, I value your comments and yes...less is more.....I tend to keep adding and then have to add even more to cover the mistakes....lol.....it is the knowing when to stop stuff..... As for dead grasses etc....a Bit of Rough....(lol) sounds good too......I have always liked ornate fuss....must learn to stop before the details overtake me. !! It is difficult learning from books......so many contradict each other !!...as for trying to cope with acrylics that is a whole new problem.....a bit like spreading blancmange at times !!

Books sure do contradict each other - but the more you paint the more you'll discover your own way.

Very pretty scene and very prettily painted too. I am ok with pretty, by the way, especially as you have achieved this look without it a hint of a chocolate box. Very nicely done.

Thank you Thea...always learning......