Reference Photo
Step 1 -
I made the larger hill higher than in my reference photo and steeper to offset the large tree in the right foreground. I also showed less of that tree than the photo so that the shape didn’t over power the rest of the composition.
Step 2 -
I mixed my colors for the major shapes and began to block those shapes in. Starting with the sky and progressing to the big hill shape. I then added the shape of the foreground tree and boulders. Next I worked on the water with the floating vegetation. I then went back into the mountains and began defining them but keeping them light and cool to indicate that they are far away. I added some deep yellow into the closer, smaller hill indicating aspens that have changed into their fall colors.
Step 3 -
I placed a small snow covered mountain between the peaks of the major mountain range. I then added a little more variation in the color below the peaks. Next I started adding lighter sun lit sides to the trees on the hills. After adding the sun lit sides to the trees I went back and darkened the shade side of some of the trees, more heavily where they met the bank of the lake. I added a few more dark areas to the foreground tree on the right. Going back into the hills I added more trees, highlights and shadows. I added a large bolder on the far side of the lake.
Step 4 -
I added some boulders to the closer, smaller hill. Next I started working on the banks, putting some rocks along the edge and indicating some brush. I then began defining the foliage in the water. I added a brighter red color to the near tree and defined the boulders, adding some reeds and weeds. I worked on the water in the foreground near the boulders, adding some reflections.
Step 5 -
I added more detail to the boulders and the vegetation around them. I put more reflections in the water in the foreground and I darkened the water on the far side of the lake. I then signed the painting.
Estes Mountain Lake - Available
The inspiration for this landscape painting was a photograph I took while hiking in Estes Park Colorado. I love how you can see a little bit of a snow covered mountain beyond the major mountain range and I love the colors of this beautiful fall day. This landscape painting is unframed but the sides are painted and it may be hung without a frame.
Color, contrast, and cropping are close to the original but not exact.
Contact the artist,
Daniel Fishback for information about this painting by email:
dfis...@charter.net or by cell: 314-276-8880.
Daniel Fishback - Artist Saint Louis, Missouri
314.276.8880
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