Summer In Yellowwood State Forest, 48″ x 24″
Summer In Yellowwood State Forest, 48″ x 24″
If you like cabin art, you are going to love this painting that captures the quintessence feel of summer in the forest! This is the second painting in a four part series depicting the forest in all four seasons in a 48″ high x 24″ wide format. You can check out “Spring In Yellowwood State Forest,” 48″ x 24″ HERE.
The plan is for all four paintings to be grouped together in a stunning 4′ x 8′ installation. Or, each panel is hung separately in a tall, narrow spot in your country cabin or metropolitan home.
So, this is lazy, hazy, simmering hot, summer in the forest.
First, the initial sketch is created using a slew of images of both plein air oil paintings and a photo of the forest in the summertime. Ultramarine Blue and Magenta paints are thinned with oil. At the same time, a brush is used to lay out the initial sketch. I can easily wipe out the drawing with a paper towel and start again if I do not like the composition or need to change the placement of elements.
Once I am happy with the composition, I start to block in the darkest values.
The shale rock color is mixed using Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Medium and Light with a touch of Cadmium Yellow Light. Plus white.
Next, I start painting the rocks and vegetation. More of the mixed shale blue is added throughout.
Then, I am ready to paint in the pool of water as well as the waterfall. I use some of the rock colors that are shining through the transparency under the water.
More vegetation is added as well as the sides of the creek bank drifting into the background. The rapids of the creek flowing in the foreground are painted in.
All Those Greens
Lastly, all the lush greens of the tree overstory are painted. Using a wide variety of green mixes from Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Light, Titanium White and touches of reds, I create hundreds of hues and values of green to weave a tapestry of paint.
After blocking in the entire painting, I go back and add layers upon layers of details. All these layers of paint add depth and energy to the painting and bring it to life. During this phase, I dance back and forth, close and far, evaluating the painting and what it needs. I had to rearrange my work space to have the room to work with freedom on these larger paintings.
Eventually, I reach a point where to add any more paint would risk going too far and ruining it. Sometimes, when I am having fun — and I’m always having fun at this point — I don’t want to stop and must force myself.
Final Painting, Cabin Art:
Detail Shots:
Summer temps always feel cooler in the forest, especially down by the creek. In actuality, it is cooler in the gulley, by the creek!
Thanks for tuning in!
Next up is the fall painting, 48″ x 24″.
I am a little behind with my blogging and painting due to house guests last week. Always fun to “play tourist” here in Brown County for a few days but it sets me back in my work. I’ll share with you our visit to the T. C. Steele State Historic Site in a later blog. Worth a visit if you love art, history, and/or gardening! And if you are coming to Brown County, be sure to set a date to visit my studio and gallery. Let me know when you want to stop by to make sure I am available.
Happy trails! I love you!
Charlene
Cabin Art
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