Better or Not? You tell me.

11/5/2012

Artists tend to be their own worse critics. It seems that few paintings measure up to the incredibly high standards we set ourselves. There is always that temptation to make changes.

I finished Misfit last week. But over the weekend, as I looked at it, the painting seemed a bit unbalanced. I did a bit of work on the source material in Photoshop and decided that adding another trunk on the left in the middle ground would improve the balance. Yesterday, I painted it in.

But did I make the painting better? Did the original need improvement?

You tell me.

Please let me know if

a)      The painting was fine the way it was
b)      The change made the painting better
c)       The change made the painting worse

I look forward to your comments!

18 Comments

Suzanne Briard

11/5/2012 06:19:09 am

I prefer the second one. It seems more finished

Kit Bell

11/5/2012 07:19:29 am

Thanks, Suzanne!

Beverly Shlachetka

11/7/2012 09:28:45 am

b.) The second one is better. Also had someone else look at it and the second one wins!

Kit Bell

11/8/2012 02:03:45 am

Thanks for the feedback!

Colleen Blackwood Listro

11/5/2012 07:31:40 am

Kit... they are both wonderful; however, I prefer the one as it was.

Pat Howard

11/5/2012 07:45:50 am

b.
They are both lovely, but I like the balance more in the second one. :)

Susie Richards

11/15/2012 07:49:35 am

Hi Kit,
I bought your winter Shannon Lake picture in memory of my late dog Sam. It reminds me daily of the joy he brought to our family and the walks I took him on along the path you painted...thanks for such a wonderful picture.
Answering your question about the above paintings.... I 100% prefer the second amended painting, adding the extra tree balances it perfectly.

Kit Bell

11/16/2012 02:13:41 am

Thanks, Susie. I was concerned that the balance was off before I added the tree.

I am so glad you are enjoying your painting!

Arlene Tuttle

11/15/2012 08:05:29 am

I like the second one best. The addition of the birch on the left gets one's eye moving over the canvas more--and it seems more balanced. Great work Kit. I'm enjoying all of my "Kit Bell's"!!

Kit Bell

11/16/2012 02:14:50 am

Thanks, Arlene! Keeping the viewer's eye engaged is a major challenge when painting.

Linda Butcher

11/15/2012 08:05:56 am

Hi Kit,
I think the second one is better as the new tree takes the focus away from the trees in the foreground, which were front and center in the first one. Having said that, they are both very good. I love your work, cuz!

Kit Bell

11/16/2012 02:23:21 am

Thanks, Linda! The other thing the extra tree does, is it actually makes the painting look wider!

Doris Maron

11/15/2012 09:35:01 am

Hi Kit,
They are both beautiful, but I think the second one looks more complete.
Your work is wonderful...Doris

Tove Sorensen

11/16/2012 05:39:52 am

Hi Kit!
I like the second version best.
Tove

Margie

11/16/2012 03:45:24 pm

Hi Kit,
My eye was drawn to the painting on the right before I read your explanation. After I read your explanation, I located the added tree and it all "added up." Good call! It's a lovely painting. - Margie

Kit Bell

11/17/2012 02:14:35 am

Hi Margie

That is why I wasn't sure if I should make the change. The way is was, was good too. And it is easy to keep fiddling with a painting.

Thanks
Kit

Lizann Allan

11/17/2012 03:42:01 am

Hi Kit - it's like spot the difference! But once I looked more carefully I like the first one better, just because it is less symmetrical. the finished result is great too, it's a lovely painting and an interesting exercise - thanks for sharing. Lizann

Diane Marcotte link

7/13/2014 02:25:38 am

I definitely prefer the one with the added tree. It does balance the painting and moves the eye from the centre of the painting.

Better or Not? You tell me.

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