Kalihi Stream WIP7 x 10 soft pastels on Art Spectrum Colourfix
Miki Willa
I was on a wonderful retreat this weekend at a place deep in a lush valley. There is a stream that runs along the perimeter of the property that is often full during this, our rainy season. I was not prepared to do any plein air painting, but I did take several reference photos. I also spent some time enjoying this place so that I would be able to paint it in the studio. The day was a peek-a-boo sun day and I caught this tree in one of those moments. Unfortunately, I needed more than my usual morning time to finish. Hopefully, I will get it done tomorrow morning.
Clearly, I need to work on the unpainted areas. I also need to work on the rocks. Currently, they seem to be all one value. I also want to work on the shadow area in the trunk of the tree. There are details in there that I would like to show. This is such a cool tree with the deep curvatures. It almost looks like three trees, but it is one trunk. I also want to make sure that it is clear that the viewer knows they are upstream and the stream is flowing away from them. I think I have a good start on that, but it could be clearer.
I have worked mainly in the "ancient colors" for the rocks, tree, and water. With the addition of green, I am following the chronological trend. At first, green was added in mosaics. It wasn't found in pigments until later. I may have found a resource that talks about the history of pigments, but I have to check it out before I share it with you. I still have more green to add to this painting.
1 comment:
Glad to hear you have had a good weekend, and fascinating to see a work in process - I had not really considered pastel as a painting or sketching medium before. Also interested to pick up on the historic use of pigment. Look forward to seeing how you develop this image, and am gaining from your thoughtful approach.
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