This painting is turning out to be a bigger challenge than I anticipated. How to describe the colour of the water? It's blue with the reflection from the sky, green from the foliage and there is a definite warmth from the river bed. What do you think? Am I getting there? I'm in two minds as to whether I need some darker ripples in the foreground to add perspective.
Oh yes, its looking very much like river water. Its got life and movement. The highlights and lowlights in the ripples will really bring it to life.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting a piece of fast flowing water. Its not simple to get that colour and movement is it?
Hi Lisa, I've spent a lot of time looking at river water since taking up game fishing and your question is still a toughie. Generally with reed beds the water takes on the greens, the browns and oranges and being seen as reflected light will appear much darker and duller.Here, there is no need for total realism. Let's go post impressionist and paint it whatever colour you feel happy with. If it were mine I think I would be bold and introduce a few small touches of orange into the rushes and deepen the tone of the water very slightly to give increased contrast with the highlights. How about mauve or violet. Even a mustard colour would work in my opinion provided you harmonise with similar touches of colour in the rushes..
ReplyDeleteHi, apologies for not answering sooner, my laptop is poorly/misbehaving and I've had trouble getting online.
ReplyDeleteJeanette, thank you. The latest one that you have posted is gorgeous. The series you are working on is going from strength to strength.
Thank you Roger, I've gone with burnt sienna touches as orange is a little too bold for me. Best wishes :o)