this is the first oil painting i have done in ages and i want it to be right so i'm looking for any comments on how to improve it - I had trouble with the background and i've been looking at it so long now that i don't trust myself - any suggestions? Also wasn't sure how much detail to put into the mane? I quite like blurry (as it is) but maybe thats just me being lazy...



(sorry it's so big - i haven't quite got the hang of this yet...)

I like the softness in your painting Emma but if I were to offer any suggestions for improvement I'd maybe think about making the background slightly darker so that the full impact of the animal stands out and I think I would put more detail in the lions mane. Easier said than done - as a painter of wildlife myself I know how challenging this can be!! Great stuff.....

http://www.garyrobertswildlifeart.co.uk

Hi Emma,

Oils eh.....nice.

Maybe a little more work on the mane would help and maybe a little more darkness at the bottom left lion area would add too.
I think some other colours in the the lighter mane area would help add interest. Perhaps some subtle shades of a yellow, brown and even red. Not too heavy, but enough to spruce up a touch.

The background i think works well as it is Emm.

If I have described that poorly there is a Lion pic on my site to show what I mean with the colours.
I'm in know way saying that mine is better or how paint lions mind, just a the way I did it is all.

I think I also helps to have a couple of paintings on the go at the same time. Then when you start getting that 'can't see for looking' feeling we all get you can bung a different canvas on the easel and change the mood.

Anyway Emma, paint on matey

Thanks guys, I guess a bit more work on the mane is in order then - I'll show the results when its finally done.
Chalky, you're right about having more than one on the go at a time, that definitely helps - only problem is that I am in the process of making stretchers and keep putting it off so don't actually have anything to paint on...
I liked the lion on your page and I see what you mean about getting more colour into the white of the mane. Unfortunately in that respect this particular lion is rather oddly coloured (all the way from pure wite to black, and lots of grey) and I'd like to stick to how he is as he is one of the most beautiful and unusual of my aquaintance

ok so i'm going to call it finished aty post it on my website - though i have just seen more little bits that need work -_- like the top of the head graaagh!
anyway the finished(ish) thing-



all comments welcome
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http://www.ewood-art.co.uk

Evening Em,

Yep, I likes it. That bit of extra work has improved it I feel. The extra darkness in the far left mane works.

Quite right too. Call it done and get into the next painting.

Fine work mate

Great work Emma !!

thanks guys, much appreciated the next painting is in the pipeline, and i have decided against my better judgement to go big... fingers crossed hey.

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http://www.ewood-art.co.uk