June 03, 2010

To Crop or Not to Crop

Strawberry Point (dry pastel 8 x 10)

Hmmm, I'm not sure I've done the right thing here but something was nagging me about this painting. Often, if a painting stares at me from my wall, sending off vibes like that, for too long something is bound to happen. Since this was painted on paper, it was safe from a total scrub :). Instead I cropped it and reworked some of the areas to make the composition work a little better in its new space and boundries.

This is what it looked like before, as an 11 x 14.


I would really like your honest feedback so if you feel so inclined, please leave me a comment and let me know which you prefer. I can handle it (though I can't get the old one back - no "undo" button here).

Thanks for stopping by!

11 comments:

  1. I like the cropped version--you kept the best parts and it's a small beauty.

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  2. I like the cropped version too Sandy, I like the water being right in the foreground so you feel like you are there, good decision)

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  3. Yes I like the cropped version best too. It seems more balanced, and I like the addition of the extra darker reeds.

    Your work is jut lovely. I've really enjoyed browsing through your blog.

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  4. Cropped version for sure! The balance of foreground, middle ground, and background are perfect now - before they were almost like too evenly parallel stripes across the composition.

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  5. I completely believe in cropping to improve a composition. Your cropped version created a much more intimate and inviting interpretation of the inlet. The viewer is now drawn into the painting and directed to explore the background ridgelines as well.

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  6. stopping by from kelly rae's e-course. beautiful paintings. i agree with everyone, i too like the cropped version best. the grass/sandy area that was at the bottom of the old one was distracting. the cropped one feels more inviting and peaceful. beautiful painting.

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  7. stopped by to say hi...your paintings are amazing...and please...don't throw in the kitchen sink!
    keep being you...
    xo

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  8. There are things I like about each. I like the intimacy of the cropped version but I like the flow and winding path of the uncropped version... That's my humble 2 cents worth:)

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  9. You have made the right choice here Sandy, I like the cropped version a lot more. But in saying that I might be a little biased as my worked tends to be quite cropped and focused!

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  10. i'm visiting from KellyRae's Flying Lessons. I really, really enjoyed peaking at your portfolio. Your work has such a glow!

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  11. Thanks so much for all your feedback. I really appreciate your input. Sometimes, it's difficult to get that blade going but, wow, once you do it can be tough to stop (hehehe - look out paintings)...

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