Critique Appreciated

I like your style a lot - great softness and impressionism. Nice, gentle use of color

I am a bit confused by the foreground/lower part of the painting though. I cannot tell if the boys are crouching in water or sitting on a shoreline? I think the foreground needs more detail and tightening to give a stronger context to the scene.

I would also smooth out the boy's shirt on the left - kind of looks like a Hawaiian shirt - unless that's what you were going for. I also can't tell exactly which way the sunlight is coming from - maybe a bit more shadow on the boys to make that sunlight really pop and give it direction.

Hope this helpful! These are just my suggestions

Thank you Chance that is very helpful! The boys are sitting in dappled shade with the sun probably right over head in my reference so that makes the funky shapes and lack of a distinctive light source. I can definitely work on the foreground.

I like the subtle spontaneity of the painting.

I would avoid overworking it

you're welcome!

Thank you Roger! I appreciate your comment :)
I did end up darkening the foreground some in hope of grounding the boys.

I love the subtlety and play with light but I do find the sharp edging of the boy on the right a bit too pronounced. Just one suggestion from a photographer! And good luck if you enter the competition.

And yet I do love your Middle Earth drawings and paintings.
:-)

I think it is perfect as it is.

The shading is wonderful
and as you described the light is over head
This would give light and dark shading throughout as you have done from above.

I love the boys crouching at the waterline .
And the subtleness of the soft colours is stunning throughout
And the way it all blends together this gives its uniqueness.

Thank you Justin. I do struggle with sharp lines as I am more of a drawer than a water colourist. I think in this case I better leave it rather than mess it up but should definitely keep in mind for future.

Thank you Lise! I appreciate that you like my preferred theme! :)

Oh gosh Angela! Thank you! I did end up intensifying the foreground. I hope I didn’t loose too much of the subtlety you describe:)

Would love to see your modified version!

Your talent shines using this medium. I would love to see more watercolor from you.

Your painting is fine! Just keep practicing your shadows and highlights. No need to harsh critique. Art is your own definition!

A little more light /shade contrast, but just a touch. You’ve done a great job

Thank you everyone for your comments and support, I did go ahead and darken/intensify the foreground, just a little. I started a new thread with the updated image as I don't see a way to add an image to this thread.
new thread with comparison image:
https://fineartamerica.com/showmessages.php?messageid=4966559

I thought it was fine as it was. Sorry. But good luck!

Thank you Abby. I was mostly good with it but had too many doubts so the changes were made.

I think it is beautiful the way it is. Wonderful art.