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Merlin111 β Shadow at the Gate
Published: 2010-10-09 04:31:48 +0000 UTC; Views: 1783; Favourites: 42; Downloads: 17
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Description
Shadow at the GateHad a lot of fun with this painting particularly working on the Kimono and the flames. The shadows of the Japanese Gateway and, trees and figures remind me of the pen and ink style drawing I used to do before I discovered oils.
Oil on stretched canvas - 39 Β½ x 31 Β½ inches or 100 x 80cm.
Photo reference is the excellent stock image from sitara-leotastock.
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Comments: 54
it's simply wonderful... you are a great artist!
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This is a very compelling composition. I wish I could see the colours in real life.
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Thank you, the colours are indeed much better in real life, such is the quality of my photography skills 
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It's hard to get good photos of paintings. I have found that if I set my painting up in the brightest room in my place on a sunny day I don't need to use flash and the colours turn out pretty close to normal.
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Thanks for the advice
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Allen, awesome painting! 
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Thank you Julie. I agree, the reference picture is superb.
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And. I love the changes that you made. You transformed the reference into your own vision. 
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This is sooo beautiful. The colours are so bold and dramatic! Thanks for using my stock!
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Youβre very welcome. Thank you creating such great stock and for the 
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...
sorry I couldn' comment earlier
what a work,what prefection,what performance!exceptional details on the Kimono,all those flowers and drapery.,her sword.....very realistic looking, the texture of her kimono...wonderful contrast beween the red and the dark background,enlightened so clever with the sunraise(?)sunset(?),this is a question of interpretation,I suppose,as one can interrogate if the man is leaving or coming,myself,as optimistic viewer(lol)would say that he is coming...she is expecting him,in opening her kimono,she was alone,and had to defend herself with the sword he left her, during his absence.he is there now,that is all that counts,behind him the sun in the sky seeming like burning fire,maybe his ardent Love and desire for her,and her's for him,as she is looking towards him.She,in the dark,but looking so bright,by the fact she is seeing him,and at the same time ,as he is seeing her.One is the "light"and brightness "to the other.I can feel lots of Love and passion here;much serenity as well.
I also find the trees in the background very beautiful.Seems there are also some personnages,maybe solders, arround there.
The gateway door magnificiant.Seeming not only beautiful,but solid.4 piles arround..;symbolic to me for "house"(home)....
Congratulations ,my Dearest,I really like it!:iconirbheartplz:
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Thank you so much for your thoughts dear Flori and I am so glad you like it. I note with interest a divergence in view between observers. Many of the women seem to see the warrior in the gate as a returning lover while some of the males see it as a foe. Interesting. I admit I originally planned it as an enemy but could not bring myself to make it too threatening, in fact I softened it somewhat, so maybe my subconscious was at play 
I did want a serene feeling to the female so I tried to work this into the pose and the flower patterns on the kimono. This seem to work out well enough and I have to admit I loved painting the kimono, there is something about painting fabric I find appealing.
Thank you again dear Flori
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...you are more than welcome,my dear Allen,it is always a true pleaseure to watch at your sublimate work.
It is indeed stunning what you are saying about the the divergence of interpretation of woman and men.Maybe woman are more "naturally positive"(lol),but that again dependends on each speciman.
What is fascinating in a painting,is,that one has the liberty of opinion and interpretation,and that is only possible,if the artwork is "speaking",emotionally in any way,what is certainly the case of your artwork,it talks with your heart...
Have a splendid end of the week,my sweet friend...
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I think I did get some emotional aspect with this work however as many traditional work I think it speaks louder when viewed in person. Photography does not capture mood or feelings very well I have found.
Thank you very much again Dear Flori, I hope the remainder of your week is wonderful as well.
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...I can imagine,that it would be worth to see this work in person,I wish I could ,in general you can recieve better emotions ect.But I can promise you,even on a photographie of your artwork,I can "read"perfectly the emotional...
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This is outstanding Allen, the details of the flowers are amazing, and the contrast of red and the darker figure in the background
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Thank you Laura, that is an interesting perspective.
And Thank you for the
Very much appreciated
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Thank you Julia and for the
By the way, I have just started a painting using one your stock pictures. There is no guarantee that I will finish it any time soon as I work slowly but if itβs any good I will let you know
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yayyyyyyyy..... glad to know it...
but its ok if its never finish...
always love your works allen..
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You did an amazing work! The folds of the kimono and composition is superb.
It is one of your best oils. Congratulations Allen. IΒ΄m truly sorry for not having seen it before.
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Thank you Eva, the Kimono was an absolute pleasure to paint.
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it is very nice, I love the red Kimono. It is a bit shame thou that it is so difficult to distinguish her head.
It would look way better if whole women silhouette was clearly visible.
Personally I would add some deep blue to brake reds and oranges a bit 
but it is very good painting and an interesting subject :]
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Thanks for the critique very much appreciated. I think in hindsight you are correct some deep blue would have worked well.
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Truly amazing!
The colors make a sense of power.. .I love it!
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Thank you and for the
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Thank you, I am glad you like it and for the
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Thank you Jasmin and for the
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This is absolutely wonderful, Allen! The folds and the shadows in the cape, not to mention the little details are amazing!
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