Garden pond- need critique please

[GravidEngine]

I would say the biggest reason for not looking like a complete piece is subject and composition. I mean it's not really telling a story or anything, and it doesn't seem to have a focus. I don't know... personally when I look at pieces like this I feel lost because it doesn't describe a specific place... like it could be anywhere on any pond in the world. It just seems to lack any character in my opinion.

Other than that, there's not enough detail on the lilipads I suppose. The colors on them look very soft and blurred and lacking highlights.

[CybrGfx]

GravidEngine effectively hit the nail on the head.

This has no real focal point. Everything is basically the same size and shape. The eye can wander around and around pointlessly forever. There is no dominant object, no real dominant contrast of values, shapes, space...In effect, it's pretty, but boring as hell.

That takes NOTHING away from the technical execution, which is excellent. Just that the composition is lacking.

The human animal has evolved with a stong visual sense of contrasts. Visual changes. It is how we survived as a species. If the visual pattern is too lacking in contrast, the human eye regards it as "safe," and in effect, ignores it. In art, you want the viewer to be intrigued, to be captured by your efforts, to pause, and look again, and again, at the work.

Thinking is the one skill that cannot be taught, but the most important skill in being a good artist. Think before you create. If only long enough to clarify what you are attempting to do. Don't just pick a photo reference because you like the pretty colors, or the girl's boobies. PLAN a visual flow, with a MAIN FOCAL POINT. You're the artist, you choose it. Make that focal point dominate the artwork. Do this with perspective, positioning, color, lighting, size, texture, or any combination, but determine in YOUR mind, what the most important visual thing of your creation is, and then make sure the eye is directed to that point...

~C

[vbilja]

Thank you very much for your feedback. It is very appreciated especialy because I don't have anybody else to help me, but you guys.
I have not realized how big thing I missed... huge thing...
You posts were very helpful and I guess I better get to work.
Thanks again

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