Please critique my Gull and Sheep acrylic paintings

[DeborSue]

Hi! I am new here. Looking for critiques of two acrylic paintings. Thanks in advance for your comments

click image for full size

[Singular]

Hi DeborSue,

These are both very good. The values of the first painting seem a bit similar. I would add stronger highlights to add a bit more depth and interest. The second painting has a better definitive light source. But I would, once again, add lighter highlights to the most superficial spots. I would also use a finer brush to get a bit more details strokes for the hair.

Overall, very nice work.

all the best,
Joe

[DeborSue]

Thank you for your critique, Joe. I wonder if the missing highlights are due to the fact that these are both photographs (as opposed to scans) of the original paintings. Anyway, if not do you have any suggestions on how to add a stronger highlight because I used almost straight white on the gull picture.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Deb

[Singular]

It could be the photos. One thing that will help when adding your final highlights is to make sure the painting is just about dry so the white does not blend too much and lose intensity. Also, they type of white also makes a diference. Titanium white highlights a bit better than zinc white, in my opinion.

[davidstar]

I like it , as it is.

[shelley wheeler]

Well, I Think they are beautiful!

[DeborSue]

Thank you, Dave and Shelley for your comments!

[ehoeveler]

Both very good but I agree
with Joe about the values and highlights.

[DeborSue]

I am going to try scanning the seagull and post it to see if it looks different. Then I might try adding some titanium white highlights. We'll see. I'm not in love with the rocks either. Thanks for you comment. I really appreciate them!