Lincoln Marsh
9x12
This small study is from a photograph I took last August. My daughter and I decided to go on a photo-hike through a natural preserve area near our house. This area is part of DuPage Forest Preserve and is a gigantic wetland marsh area. The trails go on for miles and miles. So I've only studied a small portion of what this beautiful area has to offer so far.
My goal is to return at different times of the year to capture the gifts of this natural, magical place.
In this painting I used three transparent greens - sap green, terre verte and olive green. To lighten the greens in the grasses and trees, I added naples yellow and white, which brings the greens back to opaque, not transparent. That's where the paradox comes in. In order to have the transparent glow, the color needs to be painted straight out of the tube and not mixed with any other opaque color. Or it needs to be mixed with another transparent color.
I'm posting what I learn along the way. There is a lot of studying and note taking during my current painting sessions. And I'm painting lots of small studies.
15 comments:
I really like these colors. And, it's great to read what paint you use and how you use it.
I love the softness of this work you are doing. This one has an enticing warmth to it... really pleasing.
Thanks, Pam. I'll be posting as I'm learning, so please stop back.
I want to see the small studies too! I'm really enjoying that you're writing about the process, I look forward to seeing what comes next!
I've been using a lot of Gamblin Transparent earth yellow in my still lifes recntly, maybe you would like this color if you haven't tried it yet? It's fairly dark, but wonderfully transparent.
Hi Laurel, The day I went for the photo hike with my daughter was extremely warm. Thanks.
Hi Karen, I just discovered some of the Gamblin transparents. Thanks so much. If I make any other discoveries of great colors I'll let you know. You do the same, ok?
Well, if you are calling this a 'study' I would say it's a very succesful study. I like all the colors you have incorporated in this painting, yet even with so many colors it still has beautiful harmony. Maybe that has something to do with the transparent colors you're using?
I look forward to seeing more of your studies.
Joan
Hi Joan, For some reason this painting does have color harmony and I'm trying to figure out why. Maybe complimentary colors does it. Thanks for your comment!
Lovely colors!!
My gosh Janelle - your use of color is amazing.
Thanks for sharing. I love painting those natural overgrown areas. Great idea to study the same area at different times of year. Monet used to do that. He painted the same scene at slightly different times of day to get the subtle variations of light. I think you've inspired me to get back into those small studies.
Hi Marian, Thanks so much.
Cara, Thank you. Loved your sky painting!
Neetzy, I'd like to do more studies of Lincoln Marsh at different times. Yesterday my husband and I walked through so now I have snow photos to paint. Thanks for your comment!
First time I have visited your blog. Your work is really wonderful, love your style and use of color.
Hi Barbara, Welcome! I'll be checking out your blog and thanks so much for your kind comments.
I just found your blog through Loriann's. This blogging thing is pretty great. Your paintings are so gorgeous. Good luck with your study to transparence. And keep telling us what you find.
Thanks
Hi Dale, Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm still working on those transparent studies!
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