I thought this would be a good example to demonstrate when cropping makes for a better painting. The full painting below bothered me. I thought it a little blah. I decided the foreground area was unimportant to the subject of the watercolor, which was the reflection of light on the sea in the distance. I decided to crop it on my computer to see if it is an improvement. What do you think? I have not actually cut the painting yet - but I am leaning towards the crop.
I agree with you Jean, to me the cropped version looks to be more interesting and more beautiful. This sunset is absolutely fantastic. Ciao.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tito. I am definitely going to crop this one.
DeleteI think I see your point. You are moving the focus onto the bright spot in the sky and its reflection in the water. At the same time removing the very contrasting piece of land in the foreground. I think it works well. And it fits the rule of thirds, although I hate rules :)
ReplyDeleteI do like the sky in this painting a lot!
You are right Blaga. I had the principals and elements of design drummed into me in art class but our instructor also says that they are just guidelines, and can be broken on occasion.
Deletehi jean full of atmosphere ... both work for me ..i esp like the zig zag and distance created in the uncropped version .
ReplyDeleteI think best solution would be to use a mat instead cutting your paint, so always keep the original.
ReplyDeleteI like both of them.
It's a beautiful painting. I don't think you need to crop it, just extend the light reflection in the fore ground a little to the left to emphasize the "S" composition.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is what I do too, crop on my computer but not in reality LOL , I think you are right in the fact that the foreground doesn't add to the painting . Fabulous painting !
ReplyDeleteThe crop works very well and is my favourite Jean. Lovely painting and I especially like the delicate colours of the ocean sunset.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely prefer the cropped version Jean. In the full version the land in the foreground pulls the eye down and away from the setting sun. The cropped version not only keeps the eye on the horizon, but the wider format emphasises the expanse of the ocean. Lovely painting,
ReplyDeleteBellissimo soggetto e bellissimi colori
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful.
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