Back ground suggestions

[gray.weed95]

It seems like I have pretty good ideas as to what I would like to create, but trouble when it comes to creating a full page composition. This is an animated style brightly colored bird, I free handed him. It's done in watercolor. Does anyone have any interesting ideas for the background? I would like to stick to watercolor for this one, but I'm always willing to think outside the box.

[jenn_iam]

My only question would be... does it have to have anything than what you have in the background?
I think your design as you have it, is pleasing as it is....
if you didn't have anything in mind for a background, its possible its not meant to have one...

All the best!

[gray.weed95]

Good point. I am mostly asking because I get a lot of criticism for not having a full composition. That usually has to do with me not having a back ground. But I personally like it without a back ground too. thanks!

[rhknigh]

This is great. If you present it as this is the background you intended it should qualify as a complete composition.

[jenn_iam]

there are many cases where having a blank or bare negative space is still concidered impactful... the definition of composition is not inclusive to whether there is a background or not. It really depends on what the ARtist (You in this instance) wants to convey in the peice. sometimes a background would change the meaning... or divert the focus points...
Sometimes a background would add or drive it home as well...

find the balance.. we as artists have a tendancy to over think things.. are are often never happy with our work... making a peice of art often times "never really done" in our eyes... When this seems to be the case.. remember to weigh.. the above against the theory.... "Less is often More"

[nigelartist]

The main focal point, obviously, is the bird which has plenty of colours and interest to hold as its own. I agree with jenn_jam that an artwork is 'never really done' in the artist's eyes and therefore it is hard to 'complete' a work. If you're unsure whether to add more to the artwork maybe it is already complete. But then you could ask yourself, 'how will this change affect the overall look?'.

At the end of the day YOU have to make the decision artist!

Best of luck and God bless.

Nigel

[ehoeveler]

Agree with all but I have to say that
the beak needs to look more beak-ish.
Right now it looks more like a fish's mouth.
What do you say about a strong dark
outline for the beak? Thank You, E

[jenn_iam]

Either a strong outline.. or more depth on the interior of the beak/mouth.. so that the part that is suppose to protrude, appears as such... the angle is a foreshortened one... I think shading and color variance may help....

[gray.weed95]

Thank you all for your ideas! They are very helpful.