The second study painting of Mt Shuksan in a series of paintings that I don’t know how long I will continue with, maybe 50.
For this second study I had some basic ideas of what I wanted to achieve.
- A change to the first studies composition to improve my goal of depicting grand scale
- Colors similar to the photo but edited for better effect
- Simplicity
- Grand scale
- Use the previous study to learn from
- A value range between foreground, middle distance, background and sky that correctly indicates great distance
- Use much less paint when applying the initial drawing and first layer of paint
- Use gessoed paper that doesn’t have lines all over it
- Simplify the shapes more, don’t work so hard on the details
- Softer edges
- Try a canvas size a bit wider or a little less height
I was able to achieve most of the above. Although I did get detailed again and I’m not certain of the new ratio for the canvas. My initial thought is that it isn’t working.
What I can improve for the next painting.
- More dynamic lines for the foreground and middle ground. This study has them almost at a straight line.
- Dabs/dots of color on mountain are distracting. Look for more accurate or organic shapes.
- A taller canvas may work better. Try a height greater than width.
Here is what I like about the second study
- The softness of the clouds works much better. Less paint on the canvas helped with this.
- The building is circled by light. I must keep this in all the paintings.
- The warmer tones in the mountain is helping with interest.
- The bright yellow greens in the foreground provides more interest in an otherwise dark and lifeless area.
