Young Male Fox

what a beautiful Fox. The treatment is gorgeous as it adds that artwork but retains the character of the fox. (sometimes the artwork takes over and for me this retains the essence of the fox). Successful image for me

Really sweet , Mr. fox. . Love the pose and the eyes are so beautiful. As for the painting....hmmm. I want to say something that applies generally to this kind of painting technique. David touched on the subject ("sometimes the artwork takes over"). I think not entirely in this case, but for me, just a bit. It's a matter of preference, for sure. What bothers me, I think, is the strongly contrasted edges of the brush strokes that look (again to MY eye) a bit artificial- perhaps paint-by-number-ish? The further away you get from the piece, the better it blends and looks more natural, but in these close-up screen views it stands out more. The top of fox's head and ears look great, his eyes and snout too. The whites and lower body are more what I am referring to. I just prefer a more blended look, perhaps because I am a water-colorist at heart.

It's such a lovely , charming photo! For my taste, a few tweaks would do it. And hmmm again...perhaps tone down the bright green grass in front?

Whew! I have such respect for your work Carol!

Such a handsome young fox, Carol. I love the pose and portrait-view presented in your composition, and I personally think the fox looks great. I'm a fan of impressionistic art, and to me the large brush strokes on the chest of the fox are attractive. However, Cindy makes some worthy points on the brush work, and I very much respect her opinion and contribution as an artist. I'm pleased you left the eyes, ears, and nose more natural in appearance - one look at those eyes and I was hooked. Beautiful work, Carol.

Thank you so much for your honest thoughts on young Mr Fox.  I see what you're referring to Cindy, but I was trying to stay as true to the original condition of his fur as much as possible.  He was in between his winter coat and moulting into his summer coat (this was taken around May time) and his fur, especially the white part, was quite coarse.  It had also rained the previous night and the grass was still damp which also contributed to his not so soft and fluffy appearance.  I attach the original photo to show the condition of his fur which might explain what I was trying to maintain.      As for the grass, behind him was in shade under trees, and the few blades in the front were in direct sunlight so were much brighter.

I know its not a Rembrandt, but hopefully as near to reality as possible but with a painted twist. 

I really do appreciate your honest feedback, and look forward to more!

Carol Clarke wrote:

Thank you so much for your honest thoughts on young Mr Fox.  I see what you're referring to Cindy, but I was trying to stay as true to the original condition of his fur as much as possible.  He was in between his winter coat and moulting into his summer coat (this was taken around May time) and his fur, especially the white part, was quite coarse.  It had also rained the previous night and the grass was still damp which also contributed to his not so soft and fluffy appearance.  I attach the original photo to show the condition of his fur which might explain what I was trying to maintain.      As for the grass, behind him was in shade under trees, and the few blades in the front were in direct sunlight so were much brighter.

I know its not a Rembrandt, but hopefully as near to reality as possible but with a painted twist. 

I really do appreciate your honest feedback, and look forward to more!

Aaah, yes. I see what you mean about the rough, wet texture of the coat. Your painted version does give that impression. And hey, none of us has produced a Rembrandt here (yet)   that I have noticed!  I tend to be super-critical sometimes, but that is the way I see things.  I only hope I don't discourage or offend anyone-I am usually referring to a very fussy aspect of something that might be changed...for better or maybe for worse.  At the risk of repeating myself endlessly, I will say too, that some or our pieces, especially with this kind of texture, tend to look better at a more natural viewing distance such as one might see in a gallery. Such is the case with this lovely piece.



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hi carol.
i like the overall patterns here.
foxes make a nice subject to textures, with their smooth colours.
i also like the preserved eyes expression here....

Amazing art work Carol,like everything about this.... love the original image as well!!

Love the tecture in the fur. A little more separation from the fox and the BG would draw forcus to the fox.
Terrific work, as usual, even if not finished!
Sandy

Beautiful image,Carol! Love it.

Carol, the face looks so lovely, the eyes, ears and nose so distinct and riveting.  I enjoyed the textures of the tousled, damp fur, very palpable visually, and looks very touchable.  In fact, it made me want to reach out and smooth it, like one would, to a pet, so the textures do invite the viewer to have a mental interaction with the fox, if that makes sense.  Thanks for including the original, I was floored by it, so sharp and distinct, with such rich colors on this beautiful animal!

Great comments and suggestions made, gets one's "thinking cap" on.  Love both image posts .