While relaxing on Kent’s boat dock, I completed several drawings in my sketchbook which helped cement the scene in my mind, and gave me a reference to work from later in my studio.

We enjoyed relaxing on the dock at Sam Kent’s Camp at Lake Willoughby in northern Vermont. This painting, “Lake Willoughby Boat Docks” was completed in my studio after returning [...]

While working I always place my value study or pencil sketch on the table along with any reference photos I may have. I am working on 300 lb. Arches paper. I begin with a series of light [...]

I complete the painting by bringing the reflections into the water, and adding the darkest darks in the rocks and under the docks to create value contrast. Ripples are also added to the foreground.

One way to get really familiar with your subject is to become completely immersed in it. That’s me in the water at the end of Kent’s boat dock. Yes, the water is cold in northern [...]