by Jack
As some of you already know I dabble painting in various mediums/styles as a rank amature. This is my latest done in acrylic. It shows much, much better in person, but the camera caught some of the subtle detail. I’ve been trying to perfect my clouds and this was the latest of 3 paintings where the clouds were fairly dominate. Critiques welcomed. You have to click on the picture to see it not quite so distorted.
The next one was another experimental, a totally different style, the only recognizable similarities are probably the clouds, but the technique is radically different than from above.
I’ve only done a handful of paintings, but people that have seen them have been encouraging me to do more. When I figure out what I like and what I’m best at that will be my theme for awhile. I am starting a little late in life to be a good artist, that takes decades and I don’t have decades, but for now it’s just good therapy…so, close enough.
Whoa, Jack. What’s with the bridges? Had you foregone both of them, we’d be looking at solid work … in my, admittedly, somewhat less than humble opinion.
Seriously, I like them both, seemingly solid technique (we are online), but the apocalyptic and the cutsie are both, I have to say, out of place.
I’m with Libby on the second bridge but I like the first one. It, along with the line of the foreground and the little boat direct the eye to the cloud formations. If I had a criticism it would be that the focal point my eyes beg for, is just beyond the end of the bridge…it could be a bit stronger…perhaps a bit of the near sunset suggested by the deep shadow and tint in the bay/sea. The higher clouds are nice but too strong…force my ye away from the focal point.
But it’s been awhile since I held a brush or knife…what do I know š
Libby apocalyptic and cutsie I get…but out of place?
Tina, thank you and thank you Libby…I’m taking an art class at Chico State and i need honest criticism more than anything else. I have taken your comments to heart and made some modifications to the painting.
It is my hope to complete several paintings in surrealism, “cutsie aka landscape, abstract, Postimpressionism, expressionism, pointillism, cubism, realism,then find out what I like and go for it. Right now its all about learning techniques. One of my favorite artists for sheer talent is an unlikely subject, he’s American by the name of Tom Keating, he’s world class art forger and so good he can fool the experts. This guy is amazing.
My idea is, art should be enjoyed and you should be able to see something new in it for many years of ownership. I feel that before anyone ventures into pop art, impressionism or other modern art forms, they ought to prove themselves good in traditional first. (I think Jackson Pollack is little more than a monkey slinging paint.)
Thanks again… at the end of experimental phase I think the people that comment on my art should get a chance at a drawing for my best work. Does that interest anyone?
Jack, Like anything, practice practice. You brush work might need some extra work, on a larger scale. I have this shop that needs exterior work if you will. Ohhh, I do mean a mural of course š
I like the composition of the bay bridge, it is a bit sobering. As they say, in the eye of the beholder, it very well portrays the decay of the bay area to me.
I see, well before I get to your garage I better practice my brush strokes on the livingroom and dinningroom first…..lol
Jack, you amaze me; super hot chilies , watch repair, writing and now painting. You are a man of many talents.
Iām reading Atlas Shrugged so when I saw your decaying bridge in the seascape it reminded me of the one in the book. I like it the best, but like Tina, think you need a focal point in the center beyond the bridge. Seagulls flying, a sailboat far off on the horizon?
Please post more. Love it.
Thanks for your kind words Peggy, and the suggestions, that’s what I need to hear…it’s a work in progress, stay tuned. I really do appreciate any and all criticisms. One of the first things I want to improve on is perspective. Also working on ocean scenes…that’s tough with acrylics, you have to work really fast before they dry!!!
“Jack, you amaze me; super hot chilies , watch repair, writing and now painting. You are a man of many talents.”
Indeed.
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
-Robert A. Heinlein
When I was a young lad in grade school, I was scolded more than once for drawing the tanks, ships, and planes I saw in the “GI Joe” comic books. I later moved on to landscapes with some sputtering success. I did most of it in pencil because I was too chicken not to have an eraser. When it comes to drawing people, phffft! Stick figures only.
Not so with my oldest son. He has a amazing talent which he obviously did not inherit from me.
http://959theranch.com/ShowTopics/Rancher-s-Got-Talent-CLICK-HERE-/15349571
I think I would have moved the decaying bridge much closer, with a view out under it. I might have anchored it on the left, and had it span off-stage to the right, leaving the viewer to wonder where it goes. I am always a sucker for landscapes and such that leave me wondering what is up around the bend or just over that hill.
RHT, I really got a kick out of your quote…and I agree with Robert!