Black Lake 2019-01 - Leslie Snider

 This scene is based on sketches

 from a recent trip to the lake.
(see more sketches earlier in June)

The sun, trying to escape the clouds,
created a powerful highlight on the lake. 

Black Lake Sketch - Leslie Snider

 

Spring Walk

Spring Walk - Leslie Snider

This  pastel has been on the easel for awhile.

I was interested in capturing those first rampant spring greens.

 I struggled with trying to keep it loose and impressionistic 

but not losing the focal point completely!

Yellow

Pure, bright yellow

 is not a colour I use very often 

but it has been on my mind recently.

As I watched and studied 

many sunsets over the winter

I was surprised to discover

how often yellows dominanted

 against the grey wintry light.

Although not a winter sky

sketches from a trip to the Gaspe 

formed the basis for this study in yellow.

I used various yellows to tint the base layer.

(set with water and allowed to air dry)

I then layered mauves, blues, and turquoise

over that base.

Using a light touch I was surprised

 at the level of transparency

that could be achieved.

Pastel is an opaque medium

 and used with a heavy hand

obliterates what's beneath.....

(which is a good thing sometimes)

but not here!

Yellow Light  - Leslie Snider