Critique – Pamela Breitberg

Pamela Breitberg
Pamela Breitberg

Student’s Comments:

What I like:

  • This was the first time I attempted painting a deer. I do believe it looks natural and real.
  • She is placed off center moving into the frame.
  • I made the field grasses and flowers smaller and smaller as they receded into the distance and kept the foreground barely in focus.
  • The distant trees and sky are soft and lighter in color than any trees would be if in the main part of the image. I do have shadow under the deer to show anchoring.

What could be improved for next time:

  • I struggled with keeping the field high key which was my original plan. Also I don’t believe I was able to clearly show highlights in parts of the field, I had planned to keep the light golden colors too.
  • The photograph that I used as my guide I took years ago at dusk so the deer was back lit and the field was full of evening light. I don’t think this painting shows that.

Dan’s Comments:

What I like:

  • Love the use of compressed values and subtle color variance. It makes this a clear and strong painting.
  • The dear is both prominent and fits in with the surroundings.
  • Overall composition is pleasing to the eye.

What could be improved for next time:

  • Consider making the sky a touch lighter.
  • A few feature details in the near foreground would add more depth to the landscape. Look at Sir Arthur Streeton’s work for inspiration.
  • You could use directional brushwork to suggest the dear’s movement. Look at Steve Huston’s work. He is a master of this.