The painting in progress with the thumbnail study and reference photo nearby. I am using two Eldajon palettes and stand-up table easel.

I continue to refine the shapes and build up detail in the foreground until I am satisfies with the finished product.

I now lay in darker values, helping to shape the forms. Notice the negative painting around the tree in the foreground.

I always start by laying in washes of the lighter values, trying to build up much of the surface texture as I go.

All my paintings begin with a small thumbnail study to establish the value pattern and work out the design problems

“Basking in Sunlight” 10 x 14 Watercolor of the Sentinel in Zion National Park by Roland Lee