Sunset – a View of Merry Island in Georgia Strait
#1 - I started with a very bright orange-red background to create a strong contrast with my purple/blue colour scheme. I want this to be a warm painting, even though most of the palette is cool. At this stage, I have blocked in the major areas of the sky and water, leaving bits of the ground peeking through.
#2 - More of the sky has been developed by adding some additional lighter orange. The islands are more defined - both painted in and left out. I am leaving the foreground for last, working from the sky down.
#3 - Darkest values are added in the foreground and the closest islands. This grounds the painting and leaves the warmest glow in the horizon line area. There is another layer of painting left to finish this canvas, the final details and edges. Notice where I am trying out some foliage on the right side to see if I have enough contrast to make it readable when done.
Although nearly all of the orange-red base has been covered, the painting “feels” warm and glowing. I can hardly wait to finish it!