Thursday, February 25, 2010

Letting Emy tell her story

"Bagels or Donuts"
14" x 22"
Watercolor


Some of you probably saw my earlier version of "Bagels or Donuts?" with just Emy of Bernal Bagels against a washed background. Somehow I felt that Emy needed to be able to tell her story. My mentor, Joyce, had also given me some feedback to bring more blue to the left and work on her ear. So this morning I decided to include the board that hangs behind the counter with the menu items (admittedly with a bit of artistic license and a faulty memory). Now I feel the piece is complete.

In photographing this piece, I obtained a truer representation of the color, but the edges of the menu board looks crooked and they are not.

11 comments:

janice said...

I like your additions to the piece, Mary! You let a simple background tell Emy's story very effectively. How often do I paint my subject first and let the background loom because I'm afraid I'll mess up what is already done?!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, I like how the blue contrasts with the warm face; makes the warm color look extra lively! Wonderful!

Mary Paquet said...

Hi, Janice. I know how you feel about fear of messing up. I just knew this needed something more.

Peggy, I like how you help me see the things that are working so I can apply this warm/cool color principle next time.

hw (hallie) farber said...

I love how the board frames her profile, but leaves the ponytail free.

Mary Paquet said...

Hallie, thanks for notice that little design element. I keep fretting over whether the board is too boldly painted. I've thought of scrubbing it back -- have to give it a bit more thought and take it to critique.

Anonymous said...

I like your additions here as well. From scanning back and forth- in this version, Emy's gaze appears more focused- her upper lip less protrusive. I like the changes! Amazing how adding just a few details changes the whole scope. Hmmm.

FitFoodieMegha said...

I too liked the additions! We should always keep experimenting and one day we find that we have done an invention..LOL...Well done Mary!

Marie Theron said...

Hi Mary,lovely painting, the little innocent face has a lot of character!

About photographing your piece: to avoid distotion you have to stand away from the painting and zoom up. Also, do not fill the lens completely, it is better to trim away the sides when you edit the photo!

Unknown said...

Love this Mary! A little glimpse in time that will be captured forever with your art.

Mary Paquet said...

Dear friends, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Marie, I appreciate your guidance on photographing the work. I am looking forward to better results.

Christiane Kingsley said...

Mary, I liked the previous version of this painting and now it is even better. I like the addition of the blue near Emy's face and your positioning of the menu board. Well done...Will you show it to Emy?