On the Easel: Minnippi Parklands, Sunny

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Below is Minnippi Parklands, Sunny. It’s a pleasant landscape from a local park I run around. The sun was high, the water crystal clear, and the colors crisp.

Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021

Reference Photo and Study

Here’s the reference photo I painted from:

Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, Reference Photo, 700W

Details

  • Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 18 x 24 inches.
  • Main colors: Ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, cadmium yellow deep, viridian green, and titanium white.

Refer to my supplies list for more details on what I use.

Notes

  • When landscape painting, you need to tailor your style, technique, and tools for the environment and conditions. In this case, a clear day means crisp colors and clear reflections in the water. I painted with direct brushwork and distinct colors.
  • I used rich blues for the water at the bottom of the painting. Almost pure ultramarine blue and cobalt blue. I rarely use such strong colors but it was how it looked in life.
  • Texture in the foreground suggests detail and activity, particularly on the left which is catching more light. More light=more clarity=more texture.
  • The plants on the left side are similar in value to the light water. This is an example of value simplification.
  • I used simplified brushwork for the trees in the back, drawing inspiration from Edgar Payne.

Progress Shots

Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (1)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (3)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (5)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (7)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (8)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (9)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (11)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (14)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (19)
Dan Scott, Minnippi, Sunny WIP (20)

Close-Ups and the Finished Painting

Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 1
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 2
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 4
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 3
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 5
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021, Detail 6
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021
Dan Scott, Minnippi Parklands, Sunny, 2021

Additional Resources

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate it! Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my Painting Academy course.

Happy painting!

Dan Scott

Draw Paint Academy


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