by Elizabeth Pruitt

Bontebok 2006, acrylic, 30 x 24.	Zebra 2006, acrylic, 30 x 24.	Toucan 2006, acrylic, 12 x 36.

This artist demonstrates good control with acrylic paint. The compositions are unusual and fun. The zebra's face, however, appears very flat where the ears are attached. The artist should consider changing the values in the face as it rounds back towards the ears. All three paintings have a distinctive style with hard edges everywhere; however, the paintings could benefit from some use of soft edges. The most obvious area for softening edges is on the bontebok’s shoulders, where they recede. Softening these edges will create a better illusion of form because the head will appear more forward. Also, try not to crop the painting at a definite edge of anatomy, such as the bottom lip.

About the Critic
Elizabeth Pruitt studied art at the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, and with nationally known instructors in both fine and decorative art. She first established a professional career as a decorative painter, writing books, teaching, and selling paintings under the name Elizabeth Hayes. Since expanding her professional activities as a fine artist, she has gained associate membership in the Oil Painters of America and has exhibited her still lifes in shows organized by several galleries and art organizations. The artist is currently represented by Mountain Trails Galleries, in Park City, Utah and Palm Desert, California; Tallgrass Fine Art Gallery, in Great Bend, Kansas; and Highlands Art Gallery in Chester, New Jersey. Email Pruitt for more information.

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Comments

yes ive always wanted to learn to paint animals and landscapes and just about anything. I do know how to do the onestroke painting and i also took two classes at a michaels craft store but i would really like to learn to paint like what i see on here thanks lucretia gambill