I rarely comment on someone's art. It's a sure fire way to either lose a friend or making a complete ass of myself or indeed just being called one. By which I don't mean because I do NOT like something. Not at all. One inane, if innocent because of incompetence, comment later (even if an admiring one) and l'artiste will raise an eyebrow.
Still, there are always exceptions to the rule. And as artists can't live of air alone, here is some feedback.
I like it, Cro. I like the composition, the clever use of colours to convey an atmosphere, the vaguely dreamy/nightmarish (as Gwil said) quality of it.
And then there are the little touches, like the white outline to the black dog and the ominous outline of the man holding open two sides of a door/window. Hope he isn't about to jump.
As to the Shepherd himself; apart from the fact that he is drop dead gorgeous, how did you manage to give him cheek bones with the merest hint of a touch of blue?
The man that you suggest is holding open a window is in fact a chalk carving on a Sussex hillside called 'The Long man of Wilmington'. As for the man's cheekbones; I have no idea. I just painted it! All those life classes must have paid-off.
I'm a bit late so might not have commented. I read Ursula's comment and went back and read the others and re-looked at the picture for a while. Much to my surprise I got a lot out of it. 'Like' possibly isn't a word I'd use. I had large Dali's Metamorphosis of Narcissus on my office wall for years. I never liked it but I loved it and every time I had a problem I needed a rest from trying to solve I would sit and see something else in it. Your picture would fulfil the same role.
Spooky! Almost gives me the shivers. It's like a strange dream.
ReplyDeleteI wondered f you were into 'substances' at the time.
ReplyDeleteProbably 'beer'.
DeleteThat’s very Welsh!
DeleteHe's a social distancing banner boy & relevant to our times again.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Long man of Wilmington is holding two bargepoles, so as not to touch anyone.
DeleteI wonder if you painted it during the No Nukes times, 1980/82 ish. It has that sort of feel to it.
ReplyDeleteI think it was something to do with a nearby Pub' called The Shepherd and Dog, and I placed him beneath the Long man.
DeleteIt feels rather dark and sinister ...... a bit like the time’s we are in now. It’s as if he is standing on top of the world. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI think I wanted him to be in charge of all around him.
DeleteI rarely comment on someone's art. It's a sure fire way to either lose a friend or making a complete ass of myself or indeed just being called one. By which I don't mean because I do NOT like something. Not at all. One inane, if innocent because of incompetence, comment later (even if an admiring one) and l'artiste will raise an eyebrow.
ReplyDeleteStill, there are always exceptions to the rule. And as artists can't live of air alone, here is some feedback.
I like it, Cro. I like the composition, the clever use of colours to convey an atmosphere, the vaguely dreamy/nightmarish (as Gwil said) quality of it.
And then there are the little touches, like the white outline to the black dog and the ominous outline of the man holding open two sides of a door/window. Hope he isn't about to jump.
As to the Shepherd himself; apart from the fact that he is drop dead gorgeous, how did you manage to give him cheek bones with the merest hint of a touch of blue?
U
The man that you suggest is holding open a window is in fact a chalk carving on a Sussex hillside called 'The Long man of Wilmington'. As for the man's cheekbones; I have no idea. I just painted it! All those life classes must have paid-off.
DeleteHis firmly folded arms are rejecting everything and everyone.
ReplyDeleteIndependent; like most shepherds.
DeleteSorry, Andrew, but that is entry level psychology; there are many ways to fold arms, and the Shepherd's definitely in a relaxed, contemplative way.
DeleteU
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ReplyDeleteAutomatic spellcheck!!
ReplyDeleteIt has a similar feeling to a friend's work back in Wales...Iwan Bala.
I like it
Oh dear; have nothing more to do with him!
DeleteI'm a bit late so might not have commented. I read Ursula's comment and went back and read the others and re-looked at the picture for a while. Much to my surprise I got a lot out of it. 'Like' possibly isn't a word I'd use. I had large Dali's Metamorphosis of Narcissus on my office wall for years. I never liked it but I loved it and every time I had a problem I needed a rest from trying to solve I would sit and see something else in it. Your picture would fulfil the same role.
ReplyDelete