Landscape

[stevethomas]

I don't do many landscapes so I thought I'd try one using the oil pastels in Painter. Should the reflection be a little darker towards the bottom or less saturated overall? Can't decide.

[Donovan V]

I think what would benefit the image most is some more contrast. Try to flip the image to gray scale and check it out. I think if you got some more depth through higher contrast you'd give it some more pop.

:)

D

[Dahami]

I actually like the thumbnail version better, because in the full image you can see there is not much actual detail.

[m@.]

yes, the reflections should be slightly darker (which includes the sky reflection..),and reveal the color of the water (either refraction of the river bottom, if the water is clear, or the color of the particles floating in the water, if the water is muddy) in the dark areas of the reflections, instead of being the exact same colors.
I like the palette.
I like the simplicity of the piece but I think the boring brushstrokes and the lack of attention in the drawing of your shapes (like the tree trunk/branches) kinda kills it.
I don't mean there should be more detail, just more control and accuracy in the level of detail you're shooting for.

Another thing, it seems like you just flipped the top part to do the reflection (well actually the brushstrokes seem different in some places, but the distances look the same), and that isn't realistic unless your eye is exactly on the surface of the water. The objects should be mirrored from the virtual point where they would cross the water if the water plane was infinite, and not from the edge of the water.
Hope it makes sense :)

[Rayph]

Solid start to the piece definately but the killer here is the lack of contrast which has been stated. Also I would focus on adding some more overall visual interest and refined details to really give the eye a place to flow.

[stevethomas]

Thanks for the crits. I'll bump up the contrast and deal with the reflection. It may look like I just flipped the image, but I did actually repaint it all. And M@ - that does make sense, thanks.

The image is for an feature story so I have to keep in mind to leave room for text. I also have to add some people doing various things, but I wanted to post this version here - in case I muck it up.

Cheers.

[SoufMeng]

yes, the reflections should be slightly darker (which includes the sky reflection..),and reveal the color of the water (either refraction of the river bottom, if the water is clear, or the color of the particles floating in the water, if the water is muddy) in the dark areas of the reflections, instead of being the exact same colors.
I like the palette.
I like the simplicity of the piece but I think the boring brushstrokes and the lack of attention in the drawing of your shapes (like the tree trunk/branches) kinda kills it.
I don't mean there should be more detail, just more control and accuracy in the level of detail you're shooting for.

Another thing, it seems like you just flipped the top part to do the reflection (well actually the brushstrokes seem different in some places, but the distances look the same), and that isn't realistic unless your eye is exactly on the surface of the water. The objects should be mirrored from the virtual point where they would cross the water if the water plane was infinite, and not from the edge of the water. Hope it makes sense :)

Actually i see somethin's rong and i think i know what u mean but i'd be thankful if u could develop the "theory part" on water reflection a little more. I'm not sure i know this "law". :thinking:

Btw nice pic stevethomas.