The variety of stone textures and the mostly symetrical but asymetrical composition are the elements that make this painting a success. The hard stone and the strong verticals and horizontals are balanced by the curves of the figure in the passageway. The same balance is felt with the touches of red next to the figure and in the passageway to offset the grays of the stones. In The Shadows, Venice is a painting with a bold perspective and strong element of mystery.
Sidewalk Artists has the gasp factor I like to feel when I first see a painting. The development of colors within the color of the figures and objects is thrilling....the green in the blond hair, the blues in the white top, the subtle colors in the gray concrete and the balance of the pinks. The brushstrokes also add to the excitement. All the angles of the triangular pose, the sidewalk cracks and the yellow chalk markings frame and direct the viewer to the subjects. A creative moment of fun and artistry is captured in the sun. Wish I could join them and see their finished chalk work.
Hydrangea is the most precious little gem of a painting. The luscious warm and cool colors, the asymetrical compostion and the lack of detail in the flowers create a harmony that make this painting a winner.
Cathy Dietrich
Steve Kell
Lake Path - 9 x 12
Finalist for April 2008
Lake Path pulled me right in to get a closer look at the "well done" trees with the exciting sky holes. The colorful shadows truly enhance the areas of light and the aerial perspective gives the distance and atmosphere that makes this painting a joy to look at over and over again.
The Rio Theatre painting excites me. The red and green complementary scheme of the sign supported by all the neutrals is a beautiful balance of color and grays. The hints of light (windows, doorways, etc.)brightens and brings the shadows to life. The strong diagonals drew me in and never let me escape especially with the overhead traffic lights. A fresh example of leaving out details to engage the viewer to fill them in.
Taos Nocturne is sensitively painted in subdued colors enhanced with colorful shadows. The diagonal color reflections in the pavement adds excitement to this nocturnal rendition and every element is critical to enhancing the mood of this painting. I find myself looking up and down the street, only to return to the colorful sign before I'm off exploring beyond the street light again. I've always enjoyed my visits to Taos and I like being on this street.
Just Beautiful! The pose and cropping of the figure in the frame grabbed my attention. Then the rendering of the wet skin in the reflections and the dripping hair around the lightened shoulder amazed me. The background colors frame and support the flesh tones, especially the lighter area to the left of the figure...a place to rest before looking again at the excitement of this captured moment.
The pose in A Mother's Touch is so fresh and in the moment. The delicate handling of the subtle earth tones and hint of red pulled me in to feel the love and caring between the mother and child. The close value range of the palette allows more focus on the connection of the figures instead of details in a more developed portrait. The "unfinished" background is an important element enhancing the spontaneous feel. And when I realized this painting is only 8 x 6 I was even more amazed with this work of art.
As a lover of color I think I'm becoming a convert to a more limited palette especially with Cafe Conversation. The figure is supported with large subdued blocks of color and her profile is beautifully enhanced with the gray background. The compostion in this painting leads the viewer to focus on her face while the darks of her hair and coat are balanced with the green and gold background. And the sign adds an element of mystery and place. I could look at this painting indefinitely.
In "Fremont Sycamore" the diagonal bare tree trunk positioned across the center of this painting seems an unusual compsition but an accurate sycamore "portrait". This placement opens up the background to view the lilac aerial perspective atmosphere so perfectly complemented with the yellow and gold leaves. All the darks and lights frame the sycamore and suggest a harmony of nature. Beautiful!
Spring Lillies is a total delight. I think Monet would have been envious. The composition and color drew me into this piece but the thrill came from the diagonal blue leaf crossing the yellow leaves in the center space. The variety of color within the lily pads offset by the dark water and relfections PLUS the one and only flower contributed to making this an exciting and unpredictable piece.
"Crystal Cove Bluff" is an exciting compositon of curves, angles and perspective. Within the painting there is phenomenal movement between the curves in the rocks, the sand and the water. All this action comes to rest on the tiny figure with the salmon colored clothing on the beach, a small but very significant focal point. The contrast beteen the harmonious colors on the bluff and the sand and water is beautifully balanced as is the edge work.
