From the Artist: As this is only the second painting I have ever done, I hope it gives inspiration to all newbies to have a go. I remembered a snowy owl I once saw and thought where it might roost. Using the knife only was very hard, but I hope I have shown that detail can be painted with a little imagination.
From the Painting Guide: I'm sure you will indeed be an inspiration to newbies. And, remember, everyone's a newbie at some stage or another; we're not born wielding brushes (or painting knives!). Some people just start earlier than others, but better later than never!
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Direction of Marks: A painting knife creates very strong directional marks, which should be used to enhance the subject not fit against it. In this painting, look at the direction in the areas of the mountains that are in shadow compared to that in sunlight, how this simple difference creates a strong sense of depth as well as ruggedness to the peaks.
Same with the snow on the roof of the barn. Pulling the paint down the way snow would be pulled by gravity, rather than across the length of the barn's roof, conveys a very realistic feel even though it's painted with broad strokes.
I particularly like the tree on the right -- they all have a great sense of texture and form, but on this one the branches aren't so stunted but taper off. I'm not convinced the grass at its base is needed.
From the Painting Guide: I'm sure you will indeed be an inspiration to newbies. And, remember, everyone's a newbie at some stage or another; we're not born wielding brushes (or painting knives!). Some people just start earlier than others, but better later than never!
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Direction of Marks: A painting knife creates very strong directional marks, which should be used to enhance the subject not fit against it. In this painting, look at the direction in the areas of the mountains that are in shadow compared to that in sunlight, how this simple difference creates a strong sense of depth as well as ruggedness to the peaks.
Same with the snow on the roof of the barn. Pulling the paint down the way snow would be pulled by gravity, rather than across the length of the barn's roof, conveys a very realistic feel even though it's painted with broad strokes.
I particularly like the tree on the right -- they all have a great sense of texture and form, but on this one the branches aren't so stunted but taper off. I'm not convinced the grass at its base is needed.