Across The Fields, Cotswold Walk. by Tessa Gwynne

It’s definitely working well, dramatic effects!

Wow that was quick Marjorie! We’re you hiding behind a tree?! Thank you.

The light in this is beautiful Tessa, great painting.

It's fabulous, I really like it. I have never painted on a black surface, something to try!

I’ve never painted on a black ground, always preferred a neutral base but I must say this is rather interesting Tessa! It gives you those darkest of tones that most artists tend to shy away from… they’re afraid to go too dark. This really does pack a punch…

Fresh, crisp lines taking us out into the sunshine Tessa. Love the way you have painted this.

Very effective and great result, I've never been tempted to try a black surface.

I think it looks very finished, really lovely Tessa

Many thanks Denise. Diane, thank you, and yes you should try it! Alan, thank you. I’ve also always opted for a neutral base and with oils start with those ‘darkest darks’(as you say often hard to achieve satisfactorily) but thought this fun to try and I’m quite pleased with the result. Thank you also Carole for your kind comments.

I would leave it like it is, Tessa. Very dramatic scenery with strong colours on the black background.

This is great; the background really makes the other colours sing. I wouldn't touch it further... I've used black (well, Payne's grey) undercoats a few times and find them very effective.

Thanks so much Mia and Martin. I think you’re probably right, easy to do a bit more, and then a bit more, and before you know it, it’s ruined!

Super work.

It's worked! Like this a lot. Must have a go myself. Well done.

I think it looks great and is definitely finished. You're inspiring me to get my gouache out again!

Stunningly dramatic ! Definitely finished

Very effective - looks finished to me.

Many thanks Chris, Fred, Ellie, Val and Maureen. I would love to think this might encourage others to have a go, gouache and/or black mount board! Go on, do it!

Lovely effects

I’m loving your gouache on black Tessa! It’s so striking, which is an effect of starting with a black ground…..I think. You only need to see Marjorie’s examples to see the sparkle and drama that can be achieved……which what you have created. Excellent work?

Lewis and Heather, thank you! I managed to miss you somehow, not intended- always delighted with your encouragement. Fiona too, thank you also for your generous comments. I think maybe the spark of enthusiasm is returning after a bit of a lull!

Many thanks Romila, much appreciated.

I think it's very effective, and works very well, and is finished!

Cheers Hil! X

A gorgeous piece, with such beautifully lively and varied brushwork. Love, too, the strong lighting which leads the viewer's eye into the painting and the wonderful layers and textures. Stunning work, Tessa!

Thank you Seok, that’s very kind!

Really lovely Tessa. So dramatic.