Thursday 17 May 2012

Walking Past


















I was sitting watching people walk past on a pathway when the late afternoon sun came out and  made fantastic shadows.  I took some photos for reference and I'm hoping to put them all together in one big painting.  This is a little practice watercolour sketch but the painting will probably be in oil.   I can't decide whether to put in the simple background of  doorways or leave it very simple.  Ideas?

14 comments:

Marina Montanaro said...

I would put the backgound of doorways in, as long as it is as simple as in this lovely sketch. I love shadows too.

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

I would leave it pretty simple. I love the simplicity--and the focus on the figure and shadow. Really nice sketch!

fados do lar said...

I like it the way you solved on the watercolor sketch. Like a little note of what's behind with simple lines, letting things for the observer to mentaly build or imagine.

Timaree said...

I say add the doorways if you are going for a traditional style and leave it plain for a more contemporary feel. How's that for avoiding a choice?

Unknown said...

I like this! It's a creative idea and you did a good job with it. I love the shadow on the wall! I also really admire Federica down below! wow!

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

I like it simple, the shadows are the background. Afternoon sun gives out the best shadows to work with and you captured that really well. Love it as is!!!

Anonymous said...

I like how the shadow looks like it has a personality all of its own! With regards to the background I like the hint of a doorway to put the figures in some context without overpowering them.

Unknown said...

I like your painting just the way it is. Your simple subject has character that might be lost if you added a background. Your composition as it is now gives the viewer a lot of themes to contemplate; loneliness, solitude, what is she thinking, etc.
You could add a light subdued blue or yellow glaze to the wall....stop by my blog if you have time www.barbararoth.blogspot.com

Studio at the Farm said...

Hi Cathy. My idea would be to keep it simple, just a bit of texture and subtle color variation.

Unknown said...

This is a great idea for a painting! I would keep it simple and let it be more about the shadows. Can't wait to see this one!

Jennifer Edwards said...

Terrific! Can't wait to see what you do with the oils!

nanke's stuff said...

I like it just the way it is. It's balanced and the simplicity of it makes the woman and her shadow very striking. Wonderful job! nancy

Cathy Holtom said...

Thanks everybody for the input. I will keep it simple keeping the focus on the people and their shadows...now I can't decide between watercolour or oils. So indecisive!

Alex said...

gorgeous shadow work :)