The Head of the Sciscoe Creek Valley, February 10, 2022
The Head of the Sciscoe Creek Valley, February 10, 2022
Scroll down for this week’s new Weekly Special!
Record cold and first daffodil
Outside the snow is falling and the temperatures have plunged into the bitter territory again. In fact, the weatherman is predicting record lows, for this time of year, down in the teens (F°) the next couple of nights, as I am writing this on March 12, 2022. I saw my first blooming daffodil yesterday, March 11.
Spring is Coming!
In a day or two, the temperatures will soar to lofty, balmy heights, kissing 70° F. Spring is just around the corner!
Back to Winter!
But, for now, it is winter again as I share what is likely the last plein air snow scene of the season.
From My Ridge
So, this painting was done overlooking the Sciscoe Creek Valley and Yellowwood State Forest from the back of my property. The head of the creek is just a few hundred feet further to the north which would be on the right side of the painting, out of view. The creek starts at the intersection of Lanam Ridge Road, where I live, and Dubois Ridge Road which is just few hundred feet from my driveway.
Sciscoe Creek Valley
So, here, at the head of Sciscoe Creek, the waters are small and tumble quickly in fast waterfalls after a heavy rain or snow melt. The rushing water fills the air with a low din in the background throughout the forest. Most of the time, the creek is easy to traverse and cross by foot, stepping over it, rock by rock for stepping stones, or tiptoeing through it or taking a big jump over it.
Scary crossing
But when we get a heavy rain, it can be raging. And a bit scary to cross. Twenty feet wide and two feet deep. The rage doesn’t last long, often just a few hours after the rain stops. But on rare occasions, I have struggled to find a safe place to cross. On those days, I make sure to wear my knee high Arctic Muck boots that are sure to keep my feet warm and dry.
Windy on the Ridge Top
This day, February 10, the snow was starting to melt but slowly enough that the creek is not so raging. I stay up on the ridge top which is much windier than down by the creek. And even though the temperatures climb to a relatively “warm” 40° F, it is cold. The wind makes it feel much colder. I am glad I dressed in layers and have a scarf wrapped around my neck.
As always, when hiking and painting, I am wearing one of my rash guard shirts that dry quickly and keep me toasty warm.
The vista atop the ridge is magnificent.
From this vantage point, I can see four layers of rolling ridges off in the distance with the creek traversing the valley. The valley opens up wider and wider as the creek moves further down the valley. But up here, the hills are tighter and closer together in the narrow valley.
Darkest Darks
The darkest values are mixed using Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Red Medium and blocked in first. I adjust the darks with some Cadmium Red Light and Cadmium Yellow. The darkest values are the creek and the banks. I hold off painting in the trees so I can carve out the rolls and folds of the hills first.
Snowy Shadows
Using Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red Medium, and Magenta, I mix an array of violets and periwinkles for the snowy shadows. For the sun kissed highlights on the hills, I use Titanium White with a touch of Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, and Magenta. I mix the violets with the darks to make a neutral, middle value that recedes for the background hills and trees.
Sky and Trees
Next, I paint in the sky using Cerulean Blue and Titanium White. The trees are painted after the hills and sky. They really enhance the sense of depth in the painting. I work back and forth between the foreground and background and add the pale, peach, beech leaves that cling all winter long.
The signature is added in the wet paint while still in the field.
The Head of the Sciscoe Creek Valley, February 10, 2022
The finished painting:
Field Notes
“40° F, sunny, 2-4 p.m.. On my property at the end of the ridge overlooking the Sciscoe Creek Valley. COLD! Windy on the ridge. Dressed in layers w/ a scarf. Clinging beech leaves.”
The finished painting in an antique black with gold lip, closed corner, museum frame:
And in a silver, closed corner, museum frame:
Let me know in the comments which frame you like the best!
Weekly Special
This week’s special is a gorgeous canvas print featuring daffodils to herald in spring! The print on canvas is available in two sizes, 18″ x 24″ and 24″ x 36″. The image wraps around the edges so it can be hung without a frame. Use coupon code SpringDaffodils to receive a 20% special savings off the price of the print and free shipping! The special ends Monday, March 21, at midnight.
This blog’s plein air oil painting, “Sciscoe Creek Valley, February 10, 2022”, is also included in the special. Use the same coupon code, SpringDaffodils, to receive a 20% special savings and free shipping. Expires on Monday, March 21, 2022 at midnight.
Let me know in the Order Notes if you prefer the silver or antique black with gold lip frame. If there is no preference noted, I will make an artistic decision about the best frame for the painting.
Thanks so much for coming along with me out into the forest, in the Sciscoe Creek Valley, again this week!
Charlene
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
No comments:
Post a Comment