A Short Critique

During this week, while still feverishly preparing paintings for my June exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, I was in renewed contact with an English lady I had met here in Spain last year. Jane had purchased one of my limited edition prints, and we were organising delivery when she told me about her renewed sense of passion for watercolours after I had shown both her and her husband Dave some of my latest works in the studio. I asked her to email me some examples of her recent paintings to look at, which she happily did. I have to say I was really impressed with her work and include them, and the subsequent emails below. Comments from any readers of this blog would also be appreciated..... Jane - over to you -

Hi TJ, Thank you so much for the print. I found your work so exciting, mysterious and inspiring, I wish I could afford an original. I shall certainly keep an eye on your web site for future purchases. Your work inspired me as I said but I am too rigid with my use of colour, probably from my watercolour education at school. I have sent you a few examples of my first attempts and would welcome any comments, positive or negative, because I am just having ago and not attending any night school classes at the moment, time restrictions and lack of appropriate classes. The watercolour of the boat has not come out very well, it is however, one that I really like as it has a translucent quality, which I achieved more with luck than skill. Please don't laugh too much at them!!!!!

Hi Jane, print on its way. You should have it within a few days. Let me know when it arrives, and what you think.

Okay - quick critique on your paintings.....

I like them!

Your use of blended colours in the sky, in the seascape painting, are reminiscent of my Mediterranean skies, and yet there is so much movement in the water and the foreground, a nice contrast.

You seem to like using bold lines and sharp edges (again very much me)....

....yet, the ethereal boat painting seems to move in a completely different direction using such delicate washes.

I think what really works in that case is the well defined reflections in the water, creating depth, and surprisingly, spatial awareness in a painting that has no other reference points in it.

The transparency in the sails is a nice touch, creating the image of a light, misty, warm early morning with a breath of a breeze.

My favourite sailing day memories are made of days like this.

Going onto the winter scene, with dramatic lines and bold use of black and white shading.

Not too many artists would even tackle a subject so difficult, so I salute you for doing such a great job.

Again, great spatial awareness creeps in pulling the posts so far forward, but not too far so as to drown the echoes of the main subjects of the composition, namely the cottage and the outbuildings.

I feel the posts/fence actually help to pull the viewer into the heart of the painting so much, as to want to get in out of the cold and into the cottage in front of the fire!

Vivid stuff!! Keep up the good work! Hope this gives you continued inspiration.

Best wishes TJ

Hi TJ, Thanks for the comments, you made me view my work in a very different light. I am very self critical and never satisfied with my work, it never reaches my expectations! I am doing a painting of one of the lakes at the moment and will let you see it later. Jane

Thanks Jane. Most artists tend to be extremely critical, myself included! But I do feel that the 'lows' always make the 'highs' so much better!

Looking forward to your next work with anticipation.