Step 1
As I planned this painting I wanted to create a calm, peaceful feeling. I hope that the viewer will feel this too. I want to lead the viewer into the painting and guide them deep into the distance. The two big bushes in the middle initially draw the viewer in, then hopefully the viewer will […]
Step 2
This painting was completed on 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper, stretched and stapled to a board. As usual I plan the painting and do a relatively careful pencil drawing on the paper before beginning my broad washes of color.
Step 3
I lay in the distant hills preserving a few areas of white for the tree trunks.
Step 4
In this close-up of the rocky area in the middle, you can see how I am careful to leave some negative shapes for the branches while letting the paint flow loosely wet-in-wet in the areas surrounding.
Step 5
As I begin to lay in the trees and foliage you can see the shrubs in the center begin to take shape.
Step 6
I continue with the tree forms letting the darks create the edges of my shrubbery. Now it’s just a matter of working dark over the light washes as I finish the painting. The final steps will be to add the reflections in the water.
Step 7
As you look at the completed painting, what feeling do you get?