Sunday, January 31, 2010

Rhoda Ch #41

First off, thank you Jan for a wonderful challenge. You provided lot's of examples for us, and it certainly was out of my comfort zone. I am posting my finish, and really want to persue the idea of fracturing.
I struggled big time with this, but finished and am not too disappointed. I used all three primary colors with varying hues. The raven, my favorite, does have a crystal for his eye. I put a layer of tulle over the whole piece just to tone down the colors.
My plan was a dark wall with the rays of light coming through from above, not sure I full achieved that, and I did a still life, as the raven likes to sneak into them. I still have the binding too put on, which will be black. I look forward to your critique.

19 comments:

Chris Predd said...

Lots of detail, Rhoda.....and I especially like your fracturing. The circular patterns are effective. and of course I love the raven.
Chris Predd

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

Thanks Chris, you helped to build my ego :)

Kathy Angel Lee said...

I like the fractures that you did with the curved lines - nice effect - gives a swirly feeling.

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

I thought I may have overdone it with the circles. It would be great to take a class with Katie P or Robbie J E.
Thanks for commenting.

Jan said...

I don't think the many circles are distracting at all. Each adds to the piec almost like the wind is blowing through the curtains which could be represented by the flowered fabric on the left. Great job for your first time! I really like it!

fastfriday said...

I definately don't think there are too many circles. I didn't know RJ Ecklow ever thought there might be too many circles. Your composition is very interesting and the fracturing right on. I too had never done fracturing befor. Its al lot harder than one would think.

fastfriday said...

sorry I forgot to add my name to the last comment

Pat Havey

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

I didn't mean Robbie said there were too many circles, but that I would like to take a class from her.

Julia in NZ said...

The fracturing works very well, and the circles are not OTT. The background is interesting without being distracting. What do you think about the yellow pear against the yellow vase? I like the raven a lot. I am wondering about cropping the right side, to bring him into the focal point more and to take the red vase off centre.

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

Thanks for your suggestions Julia. The yellow pair is in the foreground, I could have done it a lighter blue or red. Can't change much as it is stitched.

Carole said...

Rhoda, this is so 'you'... despite the fact fractures have not been part of the repertoire.. yet.
To me, this is a great example of what this challenge was all about.
Cheers...

Pam Harris said...

Nice to see you incorporated the fractured exercise into your still life series. I like that the Raven has helped himself to an apple. You did a great job in your fractures and I wouldn't change anything.

Cynthia Ann Morgan said...

Hi Rhoda, Yes, this is classic Rhoda style with a twist. It's a wonderful composition and beautifully done. I like the vases, they have "attitude" The only comment I have is about value...there are lots of mediums and darks and few lights. The elements might stand out more with more value contrast behind them. On the other hand, the low contrast gives it a moodiness that is interesting.
Great job
Cynthia

Linda Mac said...

I like this just the way it is. I wouldn't add a black binding, as that would confine it. Why not try a facing instead?

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

Cynthis, I agree I need some more practise with placing the different values.

Unknown said...

This is a fine example of why I don't want to look at anyone's submissions until I am done with my piece...I'm afraid I'm going to like them too much and a piece of someone else's work might find its way into mine!

Cherie in Del Mar said...

Oh, I love this one Rhoda! I love the darkness conveyed with the deeper values in it. Sort of Edgar Allen Poe-ish...ha. I agree with Linda Mac. I prefer to have the open feeling of the 'bubbles' about to float off so to speak, and to bind it would cage your raven in :-) Good job!
Cherie

Madalene Axford Murphy said...

I love all the movement in the piece, and the circles in the fracturing echo the circular vase and fruit. Then your eye pauses on the bird until it moves on again. Fascinating. I agree about the binding.

Joni said...

Rhoda, your little raven is a thief in the night in this piece. He adds a lot to the composition, even if he is stealing some fruit. The closeness of the values in this piece create a sense of darkness, with just a glimmer of moonlight shown in your background. I like the way the circles add movement. Great job.