Share to XI spent most of the morning working out what I’ll paint next. I settled on another scene from my hike to the Upper Portals at Mount Barney.
This area was also the subject of my last painting, which you can see here.
I think if you’re going to paint a subject multiple times, you may as well do it back-to-back. That way the subject is fresh on your mind. It will also share similar challenges, many of which you would have hopefully solved. For example, I know what colors work for the rocks and the dark parts of the water. And I know what techniques are effective for the whitewater. And I have a general feel and understanding of how the water is moving.
In theory, this next painting should be a little bit easier for me. But every painting comes with its own challenges, so we will see.
Why did I go with this scene?
I love the water’s movement as it cascades down the rocks and how it fans out after the whitewater. It’s different from my other painting, which showcases a calmer section and an upstream perspective.
The water’s colors are also stunning. It’s like looking at the landscape through shattered glass. And it’s one of those areas where the closer you look, the more you notice.
Finally, the background forms an interesting value pattern, with a few simple light and dark shapes. I’m not sure if this subject would work if not for that warm sunlight hitting the mountainside.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
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Have a great weekend!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
PS. You can download a high-resolution version of the reference photo here. Feel free to paint it yourself if you like. Just let us know how you go!)
