Sunrise ...what to paint part 02

Sharbot Lake sunrise  - pastel - Leslie Snider

A few days ago I presented a few photos... 

all potentially good subjects for painting.

The first picture was complete in itself,

and I suspect no painting 

could improve on that moment.

The second and fourth,

definite possibilities for the future.....

but it was the opportunity

 to play with subtle colour

that inspired me to tackle the 3rd. 

I simplified the composition

 in order to emphasize

 the airiness of the clouds. 

If you have observed the rising sun 

you know how fleeting and illusive the light can be!

When you become

 a landscape (plein air) painter 

the weather becomes

 an essential component

 in your work.....

and this year's late spring

 is playing havoc

with my outdoor plans.

This study based on a field photo....

early morning and fog had descended, 

so I quickly grabbed the camera and off I went.

The subject matter is not glamorous

but the light effects were interesting.

Here the moisture laden air 

adds blue notes to the foliage

 and softens edges.

Foggy Field - pastel -  Leslie Snider

Breaking the Rules....quietly...gently!

General art advice is 

"Don't paint every leaf on the tree." 

Why not?

 I ask!!

A Quiet Corner - Leslie Snider

This latest pastel takes it's inspiration 

from Claude Monet  

who knew a thing or two about painting.

His use of detail captures

 that shimmering quality of the leaves.

 

Marsh Variation

I'm constantly fascinated by marshes.

The combination of water, sky, vegetation and wildlife 

under various light and seasonal conditions

makes for constant surprises.

This example shows the effect of rain, 

cooling down the colours of the foliage.

The only hint of warmth 

is the pink of the sunrise 

reflecting in the water.

Marsh Variation - Leslie Snider

Here is an example from earlier this year,

also early morning, overcast and moody

 but with out the effect of rain.

Marsh Variation - Leslie Snider