Thursday, June 23, 2016

Variations - Black and White



Same marsh as below,
 another view and time of year.
 A clear summer midday  
and lush summer grasses 
sway in the breeze. 



Tuesday, June 21, 2016

First Day of Summer - photos

Summer solstice 
brought the first major thunderstorm 
of the year 
with rain and high winds, 
tearing leaves from the trees
and scattering these delicate elderberry flowers.



Leslie Snider - photo





Leslie Snider - photo





Leslie Snider - photo

Monday, June 20, 2016

Working From Photos

What to keep and what to leave behind.

That is the question!




I take lots of photos 
often with little idea in mind 
as to what might transpire.
 I look for interesting contrasts in light and shade, 
or colour, or textures.

Here, there is more detail than I can comfortably use
so I begin with identifying what appeals to me.
Those dark shadows in the dense undergrowth 
created an interesting movement across the picture plane 
The strong verticals from the tree trunks act as a balance.

The colour contrasts of oranges and vivid greens was also appealing.
I simplified and brightened the foliage.
So not an exact rendition but one I hope has a lively personality!


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Variations - Colour

In this latest pastel 
the sun rising behind a dense line of trees
 cast a brilliant glow onto an otherwise 
rather muted marsh.



I enjoyed the colour scheme so much
 I used it again for another view of the same area.

(I have only identified specific colours 
 as the others could easily be varied.)


This time a quick sketch 
while thinking about capturing 
a more spontaneous mood.

 

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Spring Sketches

Two contrasting views of the woods in spring.

Into the Woods Leslie Snider


This first pastel was inspired by a bright sunny day
 and light dancing through the trees 
as we followed a trail into the woods. 


Spring Rains  Leslie Snider   

And here an overcast day 
softens the light  against the emerging greens  
and pools of spring rain along the pathway.

 

Marsh Scenes