Thursday, June 28, 2012
Evening, near sunset
Drive to Mammoth Mountain
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet
The mountains were very beautiful in the low and setting sun,
reflecting a golden/reddish brown.
The scenery changed so quickly that the mountains and scenery I sketched
in pencil were gone by the end of the first complete wash. It was tough to
paint in the moving car, but I felt compelled to capture the beautiful glowing
mountains and the road winding on.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Sometime afternoon
Coldwater Creek Campground
View of Mountains,
Looking East From Our Campsite
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet, dry on
wet, titanium white gouache
The mountains here are amazing; very bold. Some reflect blues
and violets, while others reflect reddish brown or gold. We are surrounded by
thick pine growth. Although it is the end of June and it gets up to the 90’s
during the day, there is still snow pack up in the high elevations. In the sun
it is very hot, but when the sun dips behind a tree it gets very cold quickly.
I find myself out of breath quickly too because of the elevation. The sky has
been very bright and cloudless. We have great weather despite the cold at
night.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Afternoon
Inyo National Forrest
Rainbow Falls
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet, dry on
wet, white gouache, pencil hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling.
We hiked in 2-3 miles up and around Devil’s Post Pile. The
falls were very beautiful, spraying mist everywhere and creating rainbows
across the middle and bottom of the 100 foot drop. Trees and other natural
features like rocks and cliffs have helped me frame my compositions making it
easier to work without a viewfinder.
These falls were difficult to paint with the water coming so
fast. I did not make out the patterns at first and began washing in the blue
rocks behind the falls too hastily. Wash and pencil sketch worked the cliffs,
middle and background easy and effective enough. The shadows on the cliffs were
tough with all the mist. Plus I wanted to capture the rainbows.
After completing this in one sitting, I went in the next
morning and added some pencil work to solidify my forms and develop the shadows
a bit more. Also I added some texture and suggestion of water current since the
gouache did not quite cut it.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Morning, after bear encounter #3
Coldwater Creek Campground
Bear Encounter #2
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, pencil outlining and
hatching
Bear encounter 1 and 2 occurred last night. I sketched
encounter 2 from memory. This 300 pound bear cub wandered into our campsite as
we sat near the fire. He was so quiet that we didn’t notice until he was across
the fire. Our alarm sent this friendly bear running. Dude didn’t even alert the
camp host’s dogs!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Afternoon
On the Shore of Lake
Mary Looking North
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet, dry on
wet
I noticed this view on the first day from the car. The glowing
red mountain struck me. The opposite mountain is dull yellow and olive green
with a bit of snow. Today was one of the first with clouds. The sienna glowing
hill reflects in the lake to contrast the reflection of the bright sky. I
enjoyed painting this one.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Late afternoon
On the Shore of Lake
Mary Looking South
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet, dry on
wet, watercolor pencil, white gouache, pencil hatching
This is another view I noticed the first day from the car. The
jagged mountains have so much character. Snow! Lots of patches too. The
shifting shadows in the pines were difficult. I enjoyed the hatching. I think
it was important to give the mountains their strong form.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Afternoon
Yosemite National Park
El Capitan
Process: Pencil sketch, watercolor wash, wet on wet, dry on
wet, pen
This has been an amazing trip. I wish I had more time in
Yosemite, but I will definitely have to make another trip back here
specifically. I want to paint everything! Yesterday’s drive over the pass and
through the park was fantastic. In fact the view of this particular rock was
better because the right half fell into shadow much more. We were so busy
traveling and looking around and hiking that I did not paint much. I need to
come back to devote some proper time to painting. There are just so many people
here this weekend too. Too many. That’s the breaks when the holiday is right
here. I am sad to have to go home, but I have much to do ahead. This was a much
needed break. I have not looked at a watch and it was great to not have
internet or even cell service through most of this trip. Showers will be nice
though!
No comments:
Post a Comment