sunset

**Shepherdess** · 12-17-2009, 07:30 AM

Here is a picture I made last weekend. it is not quite a shiny as it seems but I couldn't correct it without changing the colours. I was trying to use bright colours in a way that the picture did not look real but it was obvious that it was a sunset. I think I accomplished what I was trying to do but it lacks a focal point. I was thinking of doing it multi media. Use the felt as the background in a shadow box with maybe some shells and a starfish and maybe some cruse tickets. I would like some opinions on composition and what to do about a focal point or anything else that you see.

**MTRuth** · 12-17-2009, 10:03 AM

Ann - first off I think the color selection is great and I love the texture at the bottom. I do think it lacks a focal point and it would make a good background. I think adding other objects would definitely make them the focal point. I would suggest that you try out several arrangements of the objects, take a photo of each one and then look at the photos to see which you like best. I wouldn't do too many extra pieces maybe just the starfish and a couple of shells to start with. You can always add more. Of course I always go for the minimal look so perhaps that's just me. Maybe you could try out the different arrangements and then post them here so we can give further advice.

The other thing you could do if it was big enough is make a book cover out of it. That's what I am going to do with my sea piece I did a while back. I'm just going to add a button and perhaps a few beads. But it worked perfectly for covering my usual size of sketchbook.

**MrsG2003** · 12-19-2009, 04:09 AM

I concur with Ruth about adding some things on it. I think that simple 3d pieces would be nice. A starfish would be simple to make, perhaps a sand dollar.

When I am laying out a piece I usually try to avoid having areas divided horizontally, and usually have a "hill" on one side.The colors are gorgeous, and at this point I think that if you added anything vertical (maybe a palm tree on the edge?) it would detract too much from the layout of the colors. Some of the other rules of composition that I follow - avoid having your piece divided evenly horizontally. Also, I try to follow the "odd number rule", odd numbers of things are more asthetically pleasing to the eye.

I don't know if this will help. It is a gorgeous piece, and I love the texture, so maybe you should use it for a cover as Ruth suggested.

Good Luck and let us know what you do.

Louise

**Shepherdess** · 12-19-2009, 05:52 AM

Hi, thanks for the help. I went and looked up picture composition on the web and found some interesting sites. They where talking about the rule of 3 and there is something about angles too. I wish I still had my grade 9 art notes. It explained how to get everything in your picture in perspective from the blank page forward. I looked at my daughters art notes and they were not as helpful. I wish I had paid more attention in class but who thought art would be useful later? more useful than many things I learned. I am taking a colour in textiles class. It's 2 days in February and then next fall it's 2 more days.

I think i will try a starfish there are lots of great pictures on web and so may bright colours. now all I need is some time.

**Shepherdess** · 01-09-2010, 06:44 AM

I just added the blog to my google reader and was looking through and found Zeds piece sea and sunset. I don't recall seeing it but it must have been in my head. Thanks for the inspiration Zed.
Ann

**jos24** · 01-09-2010, 12:43 PM

The colours are gorgeous!!

Could you add a hint of mountain just above the (yellow)?? ..can't see photo and forgot where:>)
maybe even a bit of mountain outline to add depth and perspective??
I don't think it would take much:>)

**zed** · 01-11-2010, 05:41 AM

Heh, I didn't recall it either, Ann.....had to think hard for a minute

Did you alter yours yet?

**Shepherdess** · 01-11-2010, 07:14 AM

I've needle felted a lime green and pink starfish for on it and it looks good. I am trying to decide on something else to make. I am thinking some thing souvenir like. I thought of a cocktail umbrella. I will try to find the camera and take a picture of the starfish on the background.
Ann