Today's question is, why do my paintings look better in online photos than in person? This one is about to undergo a serious makeover, because the blue sky was a serious mistake. It just looks .. . expected. I had left it for last so as to decide WHICH blue it needed to be, but now that it's done, I am reminded that, as usual, I am being way way way too literal. A red or orange sky would have been more interesting or exciting. So, I took this picture, and two more with colored papers laid over the blue - was going to post them all. But, now, looking at this image online, I like it fine, and am not even going to show you the possible revisions, because you'd probably try to stop the makeover.
But, still, you should know, the next time I post this, it WILL look very different. First I am likely to try a fairly strong rust-colored wash over that wimpy blue. It probably won't work with the blue showing through. So then, I plan to mix up gouache, to peach or red or something, and go over the whole sky with it. Adventure!!!
Think of what a southwestern sky looks like - usually a clear, intense blue. Maybe all you need to do is intensify the sky you already have. I do not think you are being to literal. Your shapes are great and somewhat abstracted as it is. My two cents worth.
ReplyDeleteToo late! I know another glaze might have generated that intense blue you describe, but haven't seen often in real life (just on this one trip). But I could already tell that I would forever be disappointed if I didn't push the boundaries of normal. I'll post the revision soon.
DeleteI always do the same thing: automatically paint the sky blue! Look forward to seeing your revision ... though I do love the colors now.
ReplyDeleteI often feel I overwork paintings, or, at least, overwork the paper, so that, in person, the paper just looks tired ... but that doesn't seem to show online.