Art Critique

Comparing 2 different painting.

Good morning, Friends. I was hoping to get some feedback on two very different pieces. Reason being is that these two pieces are in a gallery for a two month exhibition. The curator felt my prices did not match the work. The first piece Seeking Balance as It Seeks Me is a tryptic (32“ x 32“ per canvas) that explores the relationship between emotion, time, and action. It has a lot of meaning for me because I painted it over five year period. During this time I was trying to find a balance of rest, due to my MS, staying active and present, in relation to time. It has been a difficult journey to figure these things out. It’s important to be active to stay healthy mind and body, but if I overdo it I could put myself in a flare. The next piece Mountains Waking Phoenix Rising. Is a smaller piece measuring 30“ x 30“. It is my signature piece for this particular show. The show is about my journey through my MS diagnosis acceptance (my life stopped over night with cognitive and physical symptoms) into a more full, richer life as a self taught artist. I was thinking the tryptic shows more technique and nuance of emotional journey because of all the layers it took to create it. The other piece doesn’t have as many layers and it’s story is pretty obvious. I🤔 think. He felt that the smaller single piece should be priced higher than the tryptic pieces. He also said that each piece of the tryptic should be available separately to purchase. He did not think that the tryptic held as much power as the single piece. I would love to get folks thoughts on this and constructive feedback on both pieces technique and emotional nuance. Thank you guys for your time. 🙏

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6 Comments

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KBPetrilloMay 24, 2026

I have no clue what to say about this. I only know that it pains me to yield to any one's opinion about the meaning of my work to the extent they want to interfere with that.

I think you have to figure this out.

I do love all of them and I can see the 3 paintings as a triptych.

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I sure do appreciate you responding though. I don’t know about you but sometimes I have to sit with a piece before I figure out it story where it goes, etc. etc..

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I like the three together - the blending of the blue into the green and the orange on the green bleeding into the orange one. I think they work well together. Presented as above - the colors work well together, and I can write stories about what it means to me, which is one of the goals, right? :).

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YES!!! Thank you for responding. What kind of story do you see for yourself in the tryptic?

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For me, it looks like the different "skies" of life- the different emotions and colors that kind of hang over our days, hearts, souls, etc. Sometimes I could get lost in the waves of the blue- other times I could be energized by the waves of the oranges - to me it brings out my moods and reminds me that they are energetic and change often - and all are ok to soar through as the days go by;). Smiles, Amy

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🥰Oh wow Amy. This made my day!! Your eloquent interpretation captured exactly what I was trying to convey as well as what I was feeling while I was painting these pieces. and all honesty I haven’t really been able to put it in words. When I read your interpretation felt right. And the little art critic in the back of my mind was jumping up and down, saying yes yes yes. Thank you so much for sharing that. I hope you have a day filled with joy and light.

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