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This is the first time I'm sharing a painting with fellow DU artists..hope it works (Original Post) MLAA Apr 2020 OP
Darn, it didn't show the photo just a link 🤨 MLAA Apr 2020 #1
Beautiful! I love the cat and their gorgeous eyes! hlthe2b Apr 2020 #2
Thank you! MLAA Apr 2020 #9
I find the eyes are the most fun part to paint MLAA Apr 2020 #12
Beautiful WVreaper Apr 2020 #3
Oh, it's fabulous! Ohiogal Apr 2020 #4
Thank you for the encouragement MLAA Apr 2020 #13
very nice! MFM008 Apr 2020 #5
It's funny, but I can't draw well either... MLAA Apr 2020 #14
It worked . . . Iliyah Apr 2020 #6
Thanks! MLAA Apr 2020 #11
A beautiful picture mercuryblues Apr 2020 #7
Thank you! I just deleted it, thanks for alerting me! MLAA Apr 2020 #10
Beautiful cat! Well done. nt cayugafalls Apr 2020 #8
Thank you, cayugafalls MLAA Apr 2020 #15
I'm sorry I didn't see it! I use Imgur for my photo hosting. femmedem Apr 2020 #16
Thank you! I'm going to try again later today 🙂 MLAA Apr 2020 #17
I think I did it. Not sure how to set it so it doesn't share publicly. MLAA Apr 2020 #18
This is excellent lunatica Apr 2020 #19
Dear Lunatica, MLAA Apr 2020 #20
I hope my critiques are always inspiring and meaningful lunatica Apr 2020 #21
I'm counting on it! 🙂 MLAA Apr 2020 #22

MLAA

(18,599 posts)
14. It's funny, but I can't draw well either...
Thu Apr 23, 2020, 08:34 PM
Apr 2020

Painting is more forgiving, I just keep changing and redoing until it looks better 😬

femmedem

(8,444 posts)
16. I'm sorry I didn't see it! I use Imgur for my photo hosting.
Fri Apr 24, 2020, 05:22 AM
Apr 2020

You can get a direct link from Imgur. You also have the option of not posting publically on the Imgur community; just getting the link to share the image elsewhere.

I hope that helps.

MLAA

(18,599 posts)
18. I think I did it. Not sure how to set it so it doesn't share publicly.
Fri Apr 24, 2020, 09:54 AM
Apr 2020


Do you remember where to click that setting?


https://imgur.com/Hc2BWC9

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
19. This is excellent
Fri Apr 24, 2020, 12:29 PM
Apr 2020

It is a good and intimate study of the cat, where you capture the cat’s expression beautifully. Most artists would try to capture the entire cat, but you zoom in on a closeup making the cat’s beautiful eyes the center of attention and dominating the canvas because you cut off the ears. This gives the feeling of being only inches away and dominates the viewers attention to the details of the cat’s head, including the whiskers growing out of the fur and the blended and softened inside translucence of the ear. The use of painterly brushstrokes gives the picture a richness and depth that depicts the perception of the fur full of varied colors that show the cat’s markings. The way you painted the cat’s eyes is masterful. You’ve rendered them so well that cat lovers can identify and recognize the incredible and mesmerizing quality we experience when we can look closely into their otherworldly colors and shapes.

You say that you kept working on it until you made it look good. Well I do the same thing because paint on canvas really is a forgiving medium. On the other hand when you work it until it works to your satisfaction it’s actually the reason it comes out so well. It it were easy to do then you wouldn’t be challenging yourself. The result of the challenge is a surprising depiction that comes out so much better with it’s layered brushstrokes.

Your background color also stands out and is striking in how well it enhances the contrast between warm and cool colors. By blending the background more you create a softness that contrasts with the defined brushstrokes you laid down for the fur.

I really like the way you painted the cat’s head off center and filling the canvas to the point where you cut off the ears. It gives the viewer an intimacy that is very appealing. And you’ve steered clear of the ubiquitous cuteness factor that seems to permeate this subject matter. In my view your talent shows up strongly and you have shown it by using the tools of your technique with ease and familiar knowledge. I have wanted to paint a cat and it’s something I want to do along the same lines as this. I love your painting!

MLAA

(18,599 posts)
20. Dear Lunatica,
Fri Apr 24, 2020, 08:04 PM
Apr 2020

Your generosity of sharing your experience and insight in such a deep and specific way brought a little tear to my eye. Your taking the time to give me such constructive feedback and encouragement made my, I was going to say day, but that’s not accurate, you made my month!

I started painting a couple years ago and I enjoy it immensely. I find it particularly soothing these days to spend a few hours disconnected from the news being creative.

💕

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
21. I hope my critiques are always inspiring and meaningful
Fri Apr 24, 2020, 10:16 PM
Apr 2020

I’m a true believer that for every bad thing that makes people follow their baser instincts there is an artist giving life to humanity’s higher instincts. The arts are what makes us aspire to our deepest inspirations. Every piece of art, as long as it is sincere and truthful, and whether from a beginner or a lifelong practitioner uplifts us all. And the best part of it is that each piece is unique. Art is the magic we do.

If you don’t mind I will continue to talk about what I see and why I like it.

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