Artist Spotlite – Catherine Coleman

June Smith on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 5:10 pm 



Your watercolors are beautiful .

I wished that you could have explained your painting a little

I have printed this off and I can’t figure out what it is that I am looking at from the nose of the dog down
It is gorgeous work – I am not smart enough to figure out the content

June

Jayne Cummins on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 6:22 pm 



Well executed – literally – but sorry I don’t like the subject.
Jayne

John on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 8:08 pm 



I to like the brush work but I also do not know what it is.

Ingrid on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 10:19 pm 



Hi Catherine,

You have a very expressive style of painting watercolor, but I am having “one dickens of a time” trying to figure out your painting. What I am seeing, is a dog with a mangled bird in its mouth. Is this correct?

Based on what I think your painting is I will offer a few comments. As I squint down and look at this painting, I am confused about the subject because of the conflicting shapes, values, and edges. The dog which is behind the bird, in his mouth, comes forward in the painting, in front of the bird, because of the hard dark and light edges of the dog’s contour. This all is very confusing to the viewer. For clarification, it would be better to just SUGGEST that back part of the dog and have it blend into the background. Then at the same time, clarify the dog’s head and the bird he is carrying. Those body shapes of the dog have much more importance in your painting than his head or what he is carrying. Also the background shapes are very busy and compete with all of the shapes within the bird and dog in the foreground. Ask yourself this question before you begin to paint: WHAT IS MY INTENT? By asking that statement, you clarify in your mind, what it is you plan to do in your painting BEFORE you begin. This eliminates just copying the photograph and therefore putting EVERYTHING into the painting from the photo. Learn to select and edit! These are very important tools to have when beginning a painting! Also, plan your painting in a value sketch. By doing this value sketch, you learn to eliminate and design for the sake of the painting, not just copying a photo.

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing with us. Remember that these are just my thoughts and YOU are the ARTIST! Keep practicing and keep painting. You have a nice flair for watercolor! I would like to see more of your work!

Ingrid

Cathy Coleman on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 10:30 pm 



Thank-you so much for your comments. Hopefully I can clear up some confusion. I started painting in watercolours in the winter of 2000. This painting was done in the late summer of 2004. It was a photo taken of our German Shorthair Pointer, Nemo, she is retrieving a Ruffed Grouse. This painting was done as a present for my husband, in memory of my husband’s faithful hunting companion. My usual subject matter would be flowers from our gardens or the song birds that frequent our yard. I have recently tried landscapes and early moments from my children and grandchilds lives. Cathy Coleman

Aileen on Fri, 23rd Jan 2009 4:10 am 



Beautifully illustrated retriever scene. Bet the grouse was also a tasty meal!

Chris on Fri, 23rd Jan 2009 12:48 pm 



I do not want to know what it is. Beautiful art though. Hunters might find it appealing. The background just sings!

Valerie Sasaki on Fri, 23rd Jan 2009 1:31 pm 



It is a work of art, and I can see your talented. It needs a name or description. It seems to be gruesome, some people understand that. I do not. Please explain it to us. I’m sure you would receive better feedback if we were better informed as to your intent. You have a great imagination.

Lynn Marlowe on Sat, 24th Jan 2009 11:22 pm 



Once I knew what it was I appreciated the picture a lot more. I’m a person who needs a bit of structure I guess. I did kinda like my guesses too tho. Fairies helping an emerging ? from the water and other possibilities. It looks like there is a hand coming out of the water to help the dog or take the bird away? It was a bit of fun and you draw better than I.

Warroya on Mon, 26th Jan 2009 2:28 pm 



Thank you Catherine,
I really liked the subtle colors of your painting. I knew that it was a bird but was glad to have you explain and understanding that the painting was in memory of your husbands little hunting buddy made me appreciate the fact that the dog was more pronounced than the mangled mess of the bird.
Anyway I really did enjoy it and especially the story behind your creating it. ‘Keep up the wonderful work

Warroya’s last blog post..Go Back and Pick Up Your Keys

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