Forrest notes

I created these two images using the same split canvas technique that I've used and developed previously this semester. I know this technique works for me and I also know that I've used it successfully to create a similar subject matter before hand. Because of this it took me a while to find out why these two images aren't a success in my eyes like the others I've painted using this method.

Compared to my other forest painting these two feel like they're lacking in design,depth and colour and I'm chalking this up to lack of research and passion for the paintings.

I did research into paganism rituals that I wanted to base the forest people of and spent a while looking and documentary videos and looking at clothing worn in rituals. I should have been looking more at trees and woodland areas that could have helped influence my design considering the trees and overall environment is more noticeable than the small figures in the painting. I know that I could have done alot more with this piece now I've had time to reflect. What I would have done differently now is to firstly drop the camera so that it's level with the characters therefore putting the viewer more in to the environment. I would then have more depth and slide into different tones into the distance. I wanted the soldier characters to look and feel lost so I'd change the tree types to ones that spiral and overlap each other, giving the indication that the forest is a maze and hard to navigate.

So in conclusion to help prevent further pieces falling flat is to remember that even though I've found a method of working I comfortable with I should still remember to find reference and research what I'm painting as the method of painting is only one part of what it takes for a successful image.