Family legend says my Great Grandmother (my Mom was born in 1936) was an unregistered Native American, from the Blackfoot tribes. Trying to find proof through research and interviewing family opened my eyes to genocide, mix blood vs full blood, identification through tribal clan names, reservations, food sovereignty, native cuisine, illness, mental and physical from government sponsored food sources. I decided not to research anymore, it was pretty depressing and let that part of my lineage go.
The part of my family that carries native genetics lives up near the Idaho/Canada border and they are reclusive to say the least. Plus there is a lot of resentments from the native population dealing with people like me trying to figure out their pioneer bloodlines. So I did a painting of my Great Grandmother as a young girl to honor her and let it all go. Figuring out my bloodlines really does not define who I am right now, but it may explain why I am so sensitive to the modern industrial diet. That is another story I will be telling.
The painting is taken from an old black and white photo taken of a young Piegan maiden back in the 1890s during the great tribal gatherings. We only have photos of my Great Grandma when she was very young and we aren't totally sure the photo is actually her.
Watercolor, gouache, 300lb hot press cotton paper 23 x 30 inches
I have to congratulate you, this is truly a stunning work. The vibrant colors in the pebbles on the forerground and in the character make a real impact on you. There is a lot of interesting things going on like in the water I like the detailed wavy bits just in front of the person that are maybe moving more towards abstract painting, which is fine,the front is a little bit messy in style for comparison, so there is a little bit of inconsistency. But the transition is nice over all. The water color tecnhique is not very forgiving so the reflections can be hard to pull of so might want to pay more attention to them.I love how you have painted her face with subleteness, it really makes this painting in contrast to all the bright colors and patterns on her clothes. There maybe small problems with the anatomy of the hands, but I don't think it is that important here. The background is the part i have most trouble with. The right side looks allright as the detail gets lost in the distance, but left side could have used more care. That nook is weakest part of the work and all the trees there are sort of floating in the same wobbly plane with the ground.
The feeling i get from this painting is almost overwhelming. I think there is a rich background for you to study though it might be tough to handle sometimes, but it may bring great art and have even more value than that. Thank you it is truly a beautiful piece of art.
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I didn't like the background either, I want to cut most of it...that was my first work with water and it is a mess, the transition bothered me too! The nook doesn't plane correctly mathematically, the horizon is wrong. The rocks are my favorite. There is a lake in Montana that is full of rainbow rocks, they are made of clay and contain different kinds of minerals, when wet react differently because of mineral content. The hand were difficult but also the ear to shoulder length is a bit off and bothers me. painting this was like trying to ride a green broke horse, I was all over the place. First time working with water and I just started drawing people a couple years ago. I like the subject so I may paint the whole thing again with a different background. I'm keeping the lake in the back and transition into rapids. My anatomy work has helped me with the awkward hands, I've improved since this painting.
Thank you for the critique, we both agree on everyhthing!
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You are welcome. Very well done for first water. I really enjoyed having to look deeply, so thank you for the opportunity :)
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