Peer Critiques

Over the years, I have come to treasure opportunities to participate in group critiques, either after a plein air outing or, as in this case, just a group of artists getting together for an informal critique of each others' work, as a help to solve problems with a painting or just to get feedback from other artists whose opinions you respect.  I brought several paintings to this gathering, but one in particular stands out, because I was so impressed with the sharp eyes and great suggestions of the other artists - all members of the In Town Gallery co-op in Chattanooga, TN.  Here is the painting, Cape St. George Light, as presented to the group.

Critiques:
1 - the white trim on the shaded end of the house is too bright - it needs to be darkened
2 - the blue sky should be lighter at the horizon than at the top of the painting
3 - considering this is a bright, sunny day, there should be more sunlight on the grass lawn
4 - would like to see more obvious sunlight on the right side of the black top of the lighthouse, the palm fronds, and the palm tree trunks

I agreed with all of these suggestions and fixed them.  Here is the "after" photo.

The two photos were taken under very different light conditions, but even allowing for that, the revised version is so much better.

The moral of this story?  Seek out opportunities for getting input from others, particularly from other artists whose opinion you respect and value.  Thank you, Marie Miller and company!