Step into Fall Color!

How does an artist prepare for a painting? 

Reference Picture

Well, there are several ways. First there are sketches and value studies... particularly for a larger work, this is an important (indispensable first step). 

I loved the twisted tree - so sculptural - and the mysterious path that leads away from the tree. 
A sketch of the general shape - and some of the main values was a first step.
(A closer view below)

Then, reducing the values to just 3 helps to see how the values connect and hold the composition together. 

This is the beginning of determining how the artist can draw the viewers eye through the painting.

 

 Then, color.  

Color schemes?  Color harmonies and how to mix and portray that color...

Planning color is important.  A wild array of colors - even though they might be seen in nature - need some taming!  In the first iteration, I used oil pastels to consider some color combinations. 

And after that, I used acrylic paint to work with those same color combinations and how to lay down the color in strokes.  (You can see the color is a bit more vivid in acrylic, so which way will I go when it comes to using oil??)

And below, the first strokes on a larger  (24x20") canvas.  

This is general placement of the main element.  I toned the canvas with rose and have washed in the twisted tree and some general landmarks with a thinned down cadmium red.  

These are the steps of preparation.  I'm still identifying the color combinations and exactly how I want to lay in the strokes.    Will it look just like the reference picture?  No... and that's fine - after all, I already have the photo of it! Now I want to interpret that sense of being there - the beauty of the fall colors - the invitation to walk further on - the sense of peace within that moment.

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