A Bit of Artistic License

One of the wonderful things about painting is that you can decide what you want your painting to look like. You have complete control and a license to create your own world if you want to. In this painting, 'Sunset, the Forth Bridge', I've had to remain reasonably true to life - the iconic Forth Bridge has such a characteristic shape that I could not hope to take liberties with it and have it recognised. However, anyone who knows this scene will realize that something is missing. In this case, it's two entire bridges! Because the Forth Rail Bridge (this one) no longer stands alone. Just behind it, in reality, is the Forth Road Bridge, a more modern suspended construction, and a third bridge is currently under construction behind that one. I didn't want to complicate this picture with any of this, so although the photograph I used for the painting included a lot of background clutter, here the single bridge stands alone and serene against the backdrop sunset. I really enjoyed adding the lights along the shore in the background too - I think they really add to the evening atmosphere as night approaches!