Cottonwoods are one of my favorite trees, as I've probably mentioned before. They have wonderful, organic shapes and defy any orderly arrangement of their trunks or branches. They are a rich, vibrant in the spring and summer and turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. I loved the juxtaposition of the two trees against the rising edge of the sandstone outcropping. To me, it almost resembles a still life.
Tes Nez Iah Cottonwood
11x14
oil on canvas panel
Even though I'm posting this as "finished", I may go back and adjust a few things. The photo had a small fence that ran to the edge of the cottonwood; I may go back and add it as I liked it, and possibly adjust the values on the tree a bit. I attempted to make the greens of the shrubs/grasses different from those in the cottonwood in terms of temperature and value, but I'm not sure it's enough. I also feel this needs clouds.
Number 42 in the series - another 6x8 study - is fished, but I'll wait to post that tomorrow.
I don't know about your change ideas - I really like it well as is. But, I always look at shapes - the dark mass flowing like liquid from the right side is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteDo what you must! I like the division of 3 areas, too.
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts on this; I think it's easy to get caught up in the self-critique process at times as an artist, and lose sight of what is working. I've discovered it's really easy to overwork a painting as well...
I was drawn to paint this because of the values and simple shapes, and the emotive aspect of water and shade as scarce commodities in the desert. Those are, I think, successfully portrayed here, so maybe I should just let it be ;).