Anyone Have A Free Time?

did you want a critique or just comments?

as a whole i would say your paintings are good, so don't stop. you could use better descriptions. tell us about the scene - and not when it was made or that you couldn't get it into a show. the only real thing i can recommend is to paint in themes, because the subject matter is all over the place.


---Mike Savad

thank you mr savad...but...its shameful to say but those are public domain photos...ahmmm..is it ok to use those?

critiques and comments...

Mike doesn't use public domain photos. You're not off to a good start insulting someone who's attempting to help you.

You are good, very good. I would of course like to see you produce more work, but you've got the skills. Keep up the great work.

and here i thought i was complimenting you, unless your sooner then i can understand what this is about. but i take all my own image thank you very much.


---Mike Savad

no...i mean i am the one who used public domai photos

thank you ms lisa...i think i should make my own original work...

well, if your using public domain - for one you have to make SURE it's really public. there are a lot of stolen works marked as public - you could get sued even if it's a painting of it. you should create your own photos, and copy from that - using a theme. maybe things around where you live. the skill is there, but you have to make it your own.

---Mike Savad

mr savad..im scared to do it again..i know your right. i must use my own photos..i think i need more practice for themes...for now i cannot do good paintings without the aid of reference photos...thanks for advice mr savad

you can use photos - just shoot your own photo. i'm wondering where you got the actual images. where they on a free stock site? or did you get them from google?

people used a photo all the time, even davinci used a sort of camera like device. no harm in that.

---Mike Savad

Ronald - I don't know how you do your paintings, but if you are using public domain photos for you references or inspiration and you're not copying them exactly, then you might be okay. But if you're painting them exactly as they appear, then you could have a problem. Many people think the images that come up in a Google search are free or public domain and that's not always the case. If you painted those all by hand and they are not photo manipulations, then I would say you have a lot of skill as a painter. I wouldn't stop painting. But yes, you should consider taking your own photographs or consider a partnership with a photographer you know and ask permission to use his/her photos for painting. Make sure to get it all in writing. Otherwise, use your cellphone to capture an image, or use multiple images you've captured and then piece them together however you like to give yourself something to go by.

"Tree" is a very strong image, to me. I like the simplicity of it and the vibrant colors, particularly the sky. Nicely done.

Ronald,
You definitely have skills as a painter. I personally don't think you need to narrow yourself to one, or even two subjects, paint what you love.
Your work shows a wonderful grasp of, not just technique, but also composition and use of color. I hope you will continue painting, you definitely should!

As to the reference photo question...I know as a painter, wanting to paint a variety of scenes and subjects, it isn't always possible to go and take your own ref. photos...for example if you live in the desert, but want to paint a seascape.
I belong to an online community, www.wetcanvas.com, which is a group of all types of different artists(painters, photographers, sculptors,jewelry makers, etc.) if you join, you have use of their Reference Image library. These images are contributed by the artist's and usually it is asked that you mention the photographer as ref. image provider, whenever you show or advertise your work using one of those ref. photos. There are also other places on the web, that have "free" images for use by artists(again, acknowledging the image provider is usually required, and should be done even if not required), but I think the wetcanvas community will benefit you in helping you to grow as an artist. They have forums there, divided into different catagories, like Oil painters, acrylic painters, etc. or by subject matter(animals, landscapes, marinescapes, etc.) I have found that community to be very helpful in their constructive critiques, and the artist's are always very willing to help if you need advice on your work.
Hope this helps you, and keep painting!

Here is an overview of the various creative commons licenses: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/?lang=en

thank you for the info. i will take a visit on wetcanvas..

You have skills no dought. Like Mike said, get some photos that you have taken yourself & work from them. I look forward to seeing more from you.

yes mr baker...in the future i will use my own shots for reference...i will paint and paint whenever theres time..thank you