Ok, so here is the finished version, or at least the tentatively finished version of the second piece in my series for the Circus/Carnival theme. I feel like it still needs something, but I'm just not sure what it needs at this point. I like it; I just don't, really, love it. I think it needs...,
...I'm not sure, something. Maybe it is just not as dramatic as the previous one and that is why I feel like it is missing something. So, let me know what you think. I am open to ideas. I am thinking of doing something with a fire eater or flame thrower next, but I'll have to see what comes to mind. I think I am going to stop and work on Monday Art Day's theme Castaway first though. Thank you for visiting, for your interest and for taking the time to let me know what you think. I really appreciate your point of view.
amended version, I highlighted a few areas on the ring and added a little lighting in other areas of the spotlight, I'm liking it better now, but wondering if it is enough or if I should change the ring color as suggested by Carolina Buzio. Thank you Shirley you were absolutely right about the highlights, made a world of difference, to me anyway. I know I am very detail oriented, but sometimes it's all about the details.
amended version 2: Now, I am happy with it, for today anyway. Thanks for your help everyone!
amended version 2: Now, I am happy with it, for today anyway. Thanks for your help everyone!
Another stunning image Karen - it's just the perfect word because I feel the drama in this. Especially because of the deep shadows and intense concentration of the acrobat. You've spotlighted the acrobat & I love the heavy detailed curtain too! Right now I can't think of anything that would make it better - maybe someone else will catch something, but I think it's awesome!
ReplyDeleteKaren! It's so nice to hear from you - thank you for visiting! This is FANTASTIC! I can feel your "hmmmm" here, though, I agree with Susan, it's stunning. It's always ourselves who are the harshest critics, isn't it? If I could point to one very nit picky thing that I could suggest (though I'd hate for you to change anything), it would be to perhaps add some more highlight to the "spotlight" that is showing on the figure, and the round circle that she's resting on. Just a touch of highlight might add that extra oomph..(close to her waistline)..hope this makes sense.
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day - do definitely enjoy your day and don't work on this one anymore on my account..I just thought I'd add my 2¢...
take care!
That's so funny Shirley because I was just looking at it and thinking the same thing, I think on the ring for sure and maybe the lighting needs to be just a tad more intense. You are great, I love fresh eyes, you too Susan, thank you both.
ReplyDeleteI actually like this one more compared to the first in the series, but I suppose it's due to the color palette... it looks so refined and at the same time simple and rich!
ReplyDeleteThe anatomy is flawless and the composition is nice and balanced, I like it!
I would just, indeed, make the ring stand out... it vanishes in the background. Maybe make it a different color?
Hope I helped!
Hello, nice to see some feedback!
ReplyDeleteI like the top version better. Does it need something else? Not sure. I have this theory that you need at least three seperate objects of interest in image. One of them dominant. So you have the dominant motif... the other two objects should be hard to discover but a delight once they are found.
A small bird flying? A shaft of light? A cord hanging down from the curtain?
The woman's shape could be echoed by a shadow across the curtain - which is very beautiful by the way.
The other thing I'd be interested in seeing is the use of lost and found edges, and variations on the outline thickness. At the moment the outlines are fighting against the roundness of your objects. Whereas the subtle colours and tones are trying to suggest roundness. So one fights against the other - as opposed to an object paintly flatly then outlined with an obvious line.
Just a thought and certainly not necessarily correct!!
Oh, I meant 'Separate'. I really should get a spellink chicker!
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew, you are so knowledgeable and always remind me of things I know already, but forget to use. I love it, it's like having you over my shoulder saying, now don't forget, because I always forget something; yes, I am totally ADD :)!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love the circus! Another gorgeous piece for the series. I don't think I could add anything. I have no cents. I will say, however, that I really love the smooth brightness of her skin against the rich dark patterns. It makes her grace the real focus. And wow, the curtains are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! I am just loving this series! Such a graceful figure! I like the extra highlighting and I love that blue!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful - I was going to echo what someone else mentioned, a shadow of her figure on the curtain perhaps, a subtle spotlight? btw, thanks so much for visiting my blog :)
ReplyDeleteWow gorgeous highlights now Karen! I knew someone would think of things! I really like the changes. I'm not sure I would change the color of the ring though, because it might compete against her, but obviously you can experiment easily with your software without committing.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I am pretty happy with it now. Why didn't I think of a shadow, duh!
ReplyDeleteWow, that feels so rich and gestural!
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is lovely and rich!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the (possible) suggestion of making the ring a different color. I'd even go with orange to bring in some nice color harmony for the rich violets and blues.
I have NO skills in digital art whatsoever. I admire you!
Thank you Heather and studio lolo, I had previously tried orange and copper on the ring but it competes with her skin tone so I left it black, thank you though, I always appreciate input and suggestions.
ReplyDeleteOh!!! This work is so beautiful!!! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteSonata
very haunting and beautiful, Karen! Love it — there's something about that moment of perfect stillness and perfect balance that makes you hold your breath ... which is a great way for people to view your artwork!
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you for stopping by my blog.I am glad to meet you. I love the circus. I went to Sarasota, Florida in the 80's and they had the Sailor Circus. These were high school students who staged their own circus as a prelude to joining the Ringling circus, I was told. They were very good and they had moves like the one you illustrated. The Ringling art museum is also there and behind it is the Circus museum.
ReplyDeleteYour illustration is magnificent. Looking at the previous posts I can see the painstaking hours it took to create it. Talk about patience! You know what it takes.
Have a great day!
Be Still my dang heart!!!! OMG!!!! How fantastically delicious are these. I love every single thing about them. Honestly you have to know how much I love, love, LOVE the circus. Everything about the circus. This is magnificent WONDERFULNESS!!
ReplyDeleteYa'll are too sweet!
ReplyDeleteKaren! Wonderful highlights and shadow! Great job...you really knocked this one outta the park! Happy Spring to you..hope you're having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh Karen - I am still under a mountain, though I'm enjoying it all. I'm so happy that Spring is here - perhaps it's an energy boost for me to keep crackin' at the work and illustrations...thank you, as always, for your lovely visits and kind words...you are a dear!
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning work Karen! Simply GORGEOUS! It snowed here on Saturday. It's really sunny right now though, but it's supposed to rain this afternoon. Since it's Michigan I'll take any sun I can get. We are having a VERY early spring here, so MUCH celebration is in order! YAY!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours, textures in the curtain and the way you have rendered the skin. Great work!
ReplyDelete