WATERCOLOR SKETCHES
Was a beautiful day for a couple of plein-air studies. I like to do these quickly in the field to capture the lighting before it changes. A photo reference then helps me to remember the scene and allows me to add finishing touches later if need be. Photo Reference Below.
I like the contrast between the blue and red in the left image. The right image was an attempt to use looser brush strokes. I hope you like them. Various paintings are available for purchase in my gallery. I do commissioned work from time to time depending on my schedule. Contact me for more information.
Reference Painting
I do small reference paintings in gouache or digitally to work out the design and colors before committing to a final painting. Here is the process. Hope you enjoy it. To view and purchase art please see my GALLERIES.
Why I Use References
I use thumbnail sketches and small color studies as reference for my larger paintings. I made a small portable mini palette that allows me to quickly add color to my sketches. The small size of this palette and it’s portability make it great for plein air studies and excursions outside the studio as well. Sometimes it might be useful to paint without reference to loosen up or explore some new techniques but for the most part, the importance of using small color studies as a road map and as a reference for a larger painting cannot be overstated. Any artist who has started painting without any direction will tell you how it’s lead to disastrous results and a lot of wasted time and art supplies. Using a color study as a reference will most always result in the completion of a successful painting in the least amount of time. I have listed the colors I am currently using for my color studies below.
1) Permanent Yellow, 2) Permanent Yellow Deep, 3) Brilliant Orange, 4) Red Flame, 5) Violet, 6) Permanent Green Light, 7) Cobalt Turquoise, 8) Super Opaque White, 9) Burnt Sienna, 10) Opera, 11) Cobalt Blue, 12) Aqua Blue, 13) Primary Cyan, 14) Jet Black.
MISTY MOUNTAIN LAKE
There’s something about the stillness of a misty mountain lake at dawn and the enchanting light from a fiery sunset that I find awe inspiring and majestic. Although wild mountainous landscapes with dramatic lighting have all the ingredients for a successful painting I don’t believe the perfect landscape exists, rather, it’s how we perceive the world around us and how we as Artist’s use light, composition and color to affect the our artworks. In this painting I am taking a very small slice of nature and adding my own signature to it. While not perfect my hope is that with the proper: color, light and shadow it may trigger positive emotions and joy in those who view it.
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