Second Canvas WIP
 

Today I was able to work on the four children and the shadow in the water. I know there are passages really bothering me but I would be interested in knowing what jumps out at you that will need my attention tomorrow. It is hard not to want to go in the FINISH each figure but I know that this only happens in successive layers.

Tomorrow I hope to get the reflection in and work on the sand, water and sky some more. I have a hard time painting real thin layers as too much medium and I can't control the brush, nevertheless these layers are pretty thin.

I printed up your advice and now your words Allen, Alexandra, Debra are on my walls reminding me of things to think about as I paint!

Thanks for looking
Patty

Here is a close up. All comments are so welcome...

Patty, one quick thing, when I squint it looks like the children are sitting ON their shadow rather than IN it. It's a value issue, I think you can lower the value of their backs and lighten the value of the shadow. If it were my painting I would try lightening the shadow first and compare, before doing anything to the backs. I can see some color shifting in the shadow too, it's warmer below the yellow swim suit.

Using a q-tip dipped in turp would be a good way to lift some of the shadow paint.

Great start!

Thanks, Debra, I will try to lighten the shadow first.