Derek Clark Studios: June 2012

Painting "Poplar Changes"

The first thing I did was blend the shy using cobalt blue, titanium white, paynes grey and a bit of yellow orchre. I used yellow orchre and cobalt blue with t. white to make the color for the ground and blended that in making it darker as I moved forward. Last, I added a cloud that's very similar in color to the sky.

Next I used cobalt blue, yellow orchre and paynes grey to block in some trees on the right. At this point I have in mind where the light will come from and I use different shades of color as I block in.

Now I begin to paint in a tree to the left. This will be my center focus. I start with a thin trunk then build on it. I basically use it to structure how I will paint the rest of the tree.

Next I add leaves. I start with a dark shadowy color, in this case I choose a dull purple because I plan on painting yellow leaves. Since purple is yellows complement, the yellow will look brighter. After painting a layer of dark leaves, I paint yellow on top. I use yellow ochre for a mid tone and yellow medium for a highlight. I also start to add color to the trees on the right.

I then add two more trees in the foreground to the right. They also have yellow leaves so I follow the same procedure. I leave these two trees less detailed to draw more focus to the left.

I continue to add details in areas I see fit and put some yellow orchre in the foreground.