Hello, friends!
Here is a brief look at the painting stages of "Winter Watermill!"
As was the case with "Shirley Lane," the photos are just quick snapshots to document progress along the way.:)
I'd had this concept in the back of my mind for a few months whilst working on other things, and I knew I wanted to try something with a watermill in a winter setting. I learned a lot with this one, and I would like to try another one sometime with a few altered elements. Maybe the next watermill I do will be set in the summer!:)
I start with priming; a layer of gesso, followed by a layer of neutral colors. The purples and blues here give a nice wintry undertone.
Next, I charcoal my basic concept...a mountainous range in the background, my watermill surrounded by trees, and some waterfall elements in the foreground. I also remind myself of where the light source, the sun, is coming from with an arrow in the top right.
I like to paint loosely, and let the painting go where it's going to go in regards to detail, but this sketching is important to establish a good "rule of thirds," so the perspective and eyelines will end up being pleasing to the audience.:)
Now I begin painting at the top, scumbling in my sky and clouds.
Still working down, I paint in my mountains, highlighting the right side where the sun is hitting them.
Using dark values, I drybrush in the rest of the underpainting.
This is when I start to really enjoy it...beginning to detail the trees, waterfalls, rocks, snowbank.
I highlight and add snow to the trees, continue work on the water, and start to define my watermill.
I work on the watermill sluice and wheel, giving the wheel a good pop of red.
I also add icicles to some of the rocks.
The charcoal line was a random idea I discussed with my sister of adding a ski lift in the background, but after I drew it in, I decided against it.:)
Now finishing out all the little details; two people on the deck overlooking the falls, a couple lamp posts along the fenceline, and a snowy footpath. Near the end of a painting, I usually ask family for their fresh perspective and ideas for final details. It always improves the end piece.
Thank you for taking time to read this...I hope you've enjoyed this peek at the progression!
Amelia Joy~
