Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A very simple painting of a fern leaf (Original Post) bif Jun 2020 OP
Wow, that is beautiful. wendyb-NC Jun 2020 #1
Thank you! bif Jun 2020 #2
Your fern is amazing! lunatica Jun 2020 #3
Thank you so much! bif Jun 2020 #5
Your mantra is lunatica Jun 2020 #7
Very nice! GreenPartyVoter Jun 2020 #4
Lovely! LiberalLoner Jun 2020 #6

wendyb-NC

(3,823 posts)
1. Wow, that is beautiful.
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 11:24 AM
Jun 2020

It captures the essence of the fern, in it's surroundings, amongst the neighboring flora. The greens are exquisite, the detail, and capture of light is incredible. Thank you, for posting your painting.

bif

(24,029 posts)
2. Thank you!
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 11:46 AM
Jun 2020

I'm glad you could see the flora in the background. I'm a photographer as well and no matter how hard I try (including using Photoshop), a photograph just doesn't do a painting justice.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
3. Your fern is amazing!
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 11:53 AM
Jun 2020

Everything about it is exquisite! The composition, the angles crisscrossing the canvas and the strong representation of the details of the fern are excellent. I can see how strong you’re becoming in your knowledge of the painterly aspects, the how to’s of wielding your tools and your medium. And I’m noticing you are shifting some of your attention to flowers and plants as the main subjects of your paintings.

Your use of light and dark is becoming bolder and stronger in it’s execution and yet the effect is very gentle and nuanced. The light and dark areas of your fern are subtle and diffused giving the painting a serene feel. Yet the way you’re working on the darker background shows the importance you give to it. It doesn’t just serve as a backdrop. It also has very subtle depictions of light and color within itself and an integral part of the painting. You always give your backgrounds equal attention which serves to give your scenes depth and richness. Nothing in your paintings are unimportant to the main subject. Every part of the of the canvas is treated as essential to the whole painting.

I’m excited that you’re interested in exploring flowers. Your paintings remind me of Georgia O’Keefe’s in the way she zeroed in on the heart of the flowers, letting all the edges run off the canvas so your viewer’s eye is invited to travel off and back on the canvas with the gentle curves of the petals. Your use of color throughout the entire canvas is exceptional as well. I like that your focus on the natural architecture of Nature is including the soft roundness of flowers and plants. You have a innate ease in depicting natural shapes. I will thoroughly enjoy looking at your flowers too because you are putting your attention on them now!

bif

(24,029 posts)
5. Thank you so much!
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 12:34 PM
Jun 2020

I'm painting more flowers, mainly because the weather is finally getting nice and things are in bloom again! One thing you mentioned is my detail to backgrounds. I have a mantra that I try to remember when I'm painting: "No part of a painting should be boring!" I try to pay attention to spaces that could just be painted one color. Add a little detail so they eye has something to explore.

Once again, it's so nice to read your encouraging words.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
7. Your mantra is
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 01:33 PM
Jun 2020

one of the rules, unofficially, of course, of great art! I try to do the same, even if it’s a very plain background. I’ll use brushstroke or blending so there are no dead areas.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Artists»A very simple painting of...