One of my former students, Donna, sent me the following e-mail regarding her painting shown here "Steel Magnolia":
Donna: Fayrene, thought you might give me some advice on this painting I just finished....the bottom flower to the left draws the eye OUT of the picture and I recognize that's not a good thing. But I can't figure out what to do that will bring the eye back and yet keep a lighter corner (for variety) in the painting. Do you see a solution that might help me and enhance this painting?
Fayrene: 1. It's always best to put the center of interest in your painting at least a little off of center. On your next painting, try dividing your canvas into 3 equal portions both vertically and horizontally. This will give your canvas 9 equally sized squares. It's then easier to see where you might want to place the center of interest. 2. Consider making each of the surrounding blossoms a different size.
NOW TO YOUR QUESTION...Both blossoms on the left of the painting are pointing outward, thus directing the viewers eye out the left side of the canvas. Try pointing the one on the bottom IN toward the central blossom and softening the definition of the top left blossom....also soften the top edges of the leafs in the right hand corner. If you add a little more variety in color to the shadows of the central blossom and enrich the values so they are a little brighter than those of the other blossoms and leafs, it will 'take the spotlight'...a warmer, brighter pink-yellow place close to just below the left/center of the featured blossom will help attract the eye and hold it.
Thanks for letting me critique your painting.
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