River painting WIP

[Tom C]

Hello--I have been requested to do a Wip to show some of my techniques for pastels. I am close to finishing an autumn painting of the Iowa River. I happened to take photos as I was working on it... Here is the progression. (this is pastel on Wallis paper) .Tom

pic 1--I aways start out a new piece by sketching out the design with a charcoal stick. I try to determine the light source early and block in the dark areas before I apply color.

Pic 2--here I have decided to show the morning sun show through the tree line on the right side . I have begun add color to the far tree line. I always work from dak to light colors beginning with distant areas and working forward. Ihave also appied some blue to the river where the sky will reflect.

pic 3--here Iam continueing to come forward with the color. To achieve reflections inthe water I am pulling the dark color of the tree line down with the palm of my hand--this can be very affective to show deep water.

I have spent about 4 hours on this piece --I will finish it this week end and post the final pics--Tom

[Rose]

Wow Tom, very beautiful. I thought drawing 1 was the finished piece and you crossed over to charcoal medium! Very lovely, even the start of it! Thank you for the WIP.. just fantastic work! :D

[Orian]

Very good. Can't wait to see it finished!

[Gaka]

Hi ya Tom

Great WIP, When I seen the first pic I thought "What a mess!" But it just goes to show you the different technique that you use for your work. It is great to see how the painting evolves as you add more to it.....I have always admired your paintings and your style of painting, not to mention your output of your artistic works.

Gaka

[Tom C]

Thank you Rose , Orian, and Gaka-- Here is the final version--I softened the harsh yellows and ochres a bit with some more green. Any comments before I call it complete are welcome/ thank you Tom

[Rose]

I think it's great, I didn't think it could get any better from your last post! Great work, Tom! :-)

[Denise]

really wonderful,Tom!

[lucky]

Tom, Thank you so much for posting this as a wip! It is so great to see your process.

I love this painting! The water is so beautifully done with the light and reflections! And your the trees are always so nice! I love the style and the energy with the looseness and color! Another great work!!!

[Angela]

Amazing - i would look at it from afar and say, "Now that's an oil painting!" Boy would I be wrong - that is amazing!! Thanks for posting how you work!

[Brenda]

Good grief. It started out in such a mess and ended up so beautifully well done! You must have a strong vision to begin with and know how to work towards that vision. It's just gorgeous.

What do you do with all of your pieces? You are such a prolific artist. Your house must be full! Do you sell them, give them as gifts, keep them?

[Tom C]

Good grief. It started out in such a mess and ended up so beautifully well done! You must have a strong vision to begin with and know how to work towards that vision. It's just gorgeous.

What do you do with all of your pieces? You are such a prolific artist. Your house must be full! Do you sell them, give them as gifts, keep them?


You are correct I have quite a few sitting around the house unframed. I have painted over some pieces.. In fact this painting is actually on top of an old piece I did months ago. Since it is quality Wallis paper you are able to brush away the first painting and go right over the top. i have been told Wallis paper will accept 15 to 20 layers of pastel tho I've never gone past 4 or 5 layers. thank you Tom

[Brenda]

Gasp! :eek: You paint over them?? Oh, my. ::Reaching back for a chair to sit in:: But they're beautiful and you just paint over them? But, but, but... But they're so gorgeous and you cover them up! Oh...

Alright. I've thought this over and gosh, Tom. This is such a *sacrifice* on my part but I'm willing to do it. If you need a place to store them, I guess I can take them. I'll even send you some more Wallis to paint on!