"The Drowning - colour (2002)" by Maya R. Hirschman

It looks so different with colour! The atmosphere is so strong and clear

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "Thanks, Linda. When I eventually get to painting it, I plan on having the sun filtering through the water in shafts."

You coloured the characters well here! Though I think I like the original more, they always seem to have more detail. The girl on the bottom seemed to have shadowed eyes on that one, which was a really nice effect. I think maybe the water needs more texture? Great pic^^

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "This is not what I would consider a finished piece. It's more of a colour test. One day, I intend to work it up into a painting at which time I will look closely at water textures, colour refraction and lighting. So, currently, I like the original ink and pencil version better, too. Thanks for the comment."

Your choice of colors is really great, especially the middle figure. I just wish the blue background had the same variety of hues in it.

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "*laugh* Yes, the blue background is flat. When I eventually paint it (I -will- eventually) I'll focus on the water. I was mostly looking at the figures for this, I have to admit."

I would not let this one go, its exstremely powerful! you really got some creative wonderful ideas!

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "Thanks ! I'd only let this go if I ever managed to create the painted version, which isn't going to happen any time soon."

Wowsers... as others said already: really powerfull! I love your merpeople!

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "Thank you very much. Maybe sometime I'll get around to finally painting them."

ARGH! YOU EVIL, TWISTED PERSON! YOU'RE KILLING THE POOR ANONOMOUS GUY WHO IS ONLY A DRAWING! RESPECT POOR ANONOMOUS GUYS WHO ARE ONLY DRAWINGS! THEY HAVE FEELINGS TOO!
Ahem. Great picture. Freaky, but great.
Snork.

Hmmmm...first off I love the coloring in this piece ansd think it will be a beautiful painting when you add all the light and textures mentioned above. Having said that I am a bit puzzled...are they drowning the guy or trying to save him...carrying his body down or bringing it up? He looks scared and dead or dying...but the female mer looks sad (why would she be sad if she's trying to kill him?) and the male mer looks off into the distance...like he's not really paying attention...and you would think that whether or not he's trying to save or drown the guy...he'd be watching what he's doing. I'm only mentioning this because no one else has and I think it has the potential to be a really great pic. Hope this critique helps you when you work on the final piece! *smiles*

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "Thanks for the terrific comment, Wendy. To answer your question, in the mythology I created for this piece, the merfolk are pulling the man down. They're drowning him. In fact, the merfolk are the reincarnation of other drowned folk. Nice, dark and depressing, eh? I think the essence of their expressions is more recognisable in the ink version. I'm hoping to finally paint this over the summer. We'll see."

It looks better far off, though.

Maya R. Hirschman replies: "Well, I prefer the line drawing anyway. One day I'll paint this... really."

Ohhh! Ahhh! Scary!

"No," says Art Teacher. "This is not scary, it is a masterpiece!"

To that I had to agree.

The two merpeople look sort of sad and guilty. Like they were doomed to do this awful task for eternity. The female one sort of looks like shes pleading for forgiveness(from the man). I also love the coloring job. Very intense piece. wonderful job.