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Walk on a Prairie, Jo-Ann SanbornAcrylic on Canvas, "12x16"
It's generally accepted that an uneven number of the same object in a painting makes for a more interesting composition. This is almost always true, but it's fun and challenging to break the rules. Nobody gets hurt, and if it doesn't work out you can always add in another of your somethings.
In this case I had five palms trees on the prairie in the above painting not counting the ones against the further growth. Even thought they were spaced at varying intervals, and different sized, the composition of the painting looked too contrived and was not working. There's a nice light and the colors are soft and pleasing, but it wasn't until I took out one of the palms that the painting seemed to come together.
This painting is of a freshwater marl prairie. It only takes a few inches of soil above the water for a single palm or cypress to take root and grow.
2 comments:
Interesting. When I first looked at this painting it didn't hit me that there were an even number of trees. I think in its simplicity, the marsh water counted as a something. Maybe its the tiny bit of trunk reflection in it. Who knew taking one out would fix your problem? Its cool you tried it.
I knew something wasn't right, and when I blocked out the extra palm the whole thing worked better. It's questions and problems that make painting a continual challenge for me while trying to portray this beautiful land. Thanks for your comment.
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