Artist Spotlite – Pat Gerace

Lynn Marlowe on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 8:45 pm 



I do appreciate all the work done. Only critique I have is that they are almost too white! Good shading to make layers.

Tiffany on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:01 pm 



Great saturation of the greens for a watercolor. I like the depth of the leaves and the delicate petals on the roses. Nicely done!

Ingrid on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:24 pm 



Hi Pat,

In this painting you did a lovely job painting those greens with VARIETY! Although you did add other colors to these white roses, when I do that “magic squint” with my eyes, the roses flatten out and are very distinct WHITE SHAPES. The edges all around the roses are very distinct and hard, although you have used some lost edges in your background.

I have a couple of comments. First, don’t be afraid to “tell a lie” in your painting! By that I mean, add some of the color that you have used in your background (some of the green, maybe) in those shadow areas of the roses. The roses need more depth to them……that is, more value! The blue that you have used is nowhere else in your painting, and isolates the roses from the rest of your painting. Also, by “telling a lie”, I mean…..don’t be afraid to lose some of those edges into the background of your painting. By doing this, you connect the roses to the rest of the painting.

For a stronger composition, why not try and overlap the top two roses, making a bigger shape, and run this shape off the page at the top. By doing this, those two roses become a strong focal point in your painting. I would also move the red in the background below, underneath this combined larger shape of the two roses, or eliminate it completely. Near the top of the painting where you have it, being RED and the background is GREEN, (complimentary colors), my eye is drawn to this area. Use the tool of positioning complementary colors next to each other near the center of interest in your painting.

Since this is a watercolor, let those colors mingle with each other when you paint. This is the beauty of watercolor and it will help you to connect those roses to the rest of the painting. I have a question: Did you use a friskit to mask out the white roses before you painted them?

Your colors are clean and FRESH and not over worked. GOOD for YOU! Watercolor is a difficult medium, but sometimes relying on your FEELING about the subject and not being literal will help to become more expressive.

Thank you for sharing with us! Keep painting!

Ingrid

James on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:31 pm 



I like the depth in the leaves. I tend to almost always agree with any gentle yet constructive criticism, and I believe that the criticism is needed and useful. But I am far to unaccomplished to offer any of my own. I always appreciate the effort of the artist, the time and the heart that goes into each and every one of our works. I see from visiting many of the contributors websites, that some sell their art. But so many do it only for their own reasons, and their love and passion is always evident. Some of us may never be famous, or get rich painting, yet we persevere, and if only one or a handful of others can share our vision, then we have left our mark in a quiet way.

Deborah Stinson on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:57 pm 



At first I thought it was a photograph. The flowers look quite real. I had to do a second take to see that it was a painting. I have no complaints. Very well done.

Pat on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:59 pm 



Thank You, Everyone, for taking the time to critique. I appreciate your comments. This is how we grow and learn from others.

answering Ingrid.
I did not use masking fluid. I never do. As for losing the edges of the roses in the green. I did touch up the painting after I submitted it. Because I saw the same thing you do. The flowers look cut out or like they are floating. So I did change that somewhat. Not enough though. Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are and make the changes in the next painting. So thank you again for your advice.

carolyn Bishop on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 10:06 pm 



Beautiful!

Susan on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 10:45 pm 



You have captured the shapes of the roses well. I like the variety of shapes and positions. Your use of shadow pigment is interesting.

Ingrid on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 11:47 pm 



Hi Pat,

You are more than welcome! I find that when I paint in watercolor, if I can lose those edges when the paint is wet it helps a great deal! For this reason I am not a FAN of friskit either.

Keep up the good work and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and remember to squint!

Ingrid

Amanda on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 6:57 am 



I am full of admiration for anyone who works with watercolours! I think you`ve done really well.

Gill on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 7:51 am 



Lovely details in the leaves but the flowers are too white with not enough shading. I think with practice you would be really good. Well done

Soroya on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 12:54 pm 



Dear Pat,
I loved the soft effect of your roses they do appear a bit pale but I thought it was perhaps the photographing of the painting. In my own experience I have seen the effects of my paintings change when I have photographed them. I do very little water color unless I am combining it with another medium (acrylic or collage) so I commend you greatly on the wonderful piece.
Thanks for sharing, God bless

John on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 1:31 pm 



Not bad, Different colors for the flowers maybe would give it a better look.

Valerie Sasaki on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 2:05 pm 



I think they are beautiful, I have a love of roses and I can’t seem to get them right on canvas. I appreciate the love and work put into your painting

barbara on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 11:19 pm 



pat,
beautiful girl! keep up the good work and don’t stop painting.
your a natural.

Pat on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 12:21 am 



Thank You Everyone. You are all part of my experience as an artist because of your taking the time to look at my work and comment.
Enjoy your art and share it with the world.
God Bless.

Corrine on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 7:47 pm 



I am a friend of Pat’s and not even close to being artistic myself, but I think the painting is wonderful. From knowing Pat I know she certainly prides herself on her work and wants it done right! Great job girl!

Pat on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 1:25 am 



Corrine,
Thanks so much for your Wonderful words. It means a great deal to me. WOW what a friend, Your the best. Thanks.
Love Ya,
Pat

Pat on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 11:40 am 



Barb,
You have been my friend since elementary school. Where would I be without a friend like you. Thank you so much for your Encouragement. I love you.
Pat

Jayne Cummins on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 10:23 pm 



You have tackled one of the most difficult things – white flowers. Your leaves are absolutely wonderful but your roses would benefit from more contrast. Their shape and shading is good but just needs more contrast in the shadows. Otherwise an excellent painting – good composition.
Jayne

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