Student’s Comments:
What I like:
- I think I captured the bleak treeless bog lands of parts of North Antrim.
- I also think I succeeded in creating drama. I think the lighting is correct for a grey overcast day with diffused light.
What could be improved for next time:
- I am never happy with how I paint birds, I always think they look heavy. I am also unsure if I pitched the level of detail correctly. Is the level of detail in the foreground sufficient?
Dan’s Comments:
What I like:
- Love this painting Stephen. Was it from a photo? I think the level of detail is perfect. You simplified and detailed the right areas.
- It’s a dramatic painting, with the eagle’s bright yellow claws reaching for prey.
- The colors are great. I like how the birds are both distinct but also part of the surrounding landscape.
- Good work with the atmospheric perspective. The landscape gradually gets lighter and cooler in the distance.
What could be improved for next time:
- There’s an opportunity to convey more of the movement and gestures of the birds. Look at Steve Huston’s work for inspiration.
- The bottom right side of the landscape could use a touch more variance in color and brushwork.
Nothing more to add. Nice painting!