Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Road, Autumn


To see the stages to this finished painting click here.

6 comments:

Kathleen Harrington said...

Nice finish - great use of warm and cools...
Kathleen

RH Carpenter said...

Beautiful saturated color in this scene and so much to love about it. Well done!

Paintdancer said...

HI Susan,

This painting is fabulous. I love the rich color and strong shadow patterns! I notice that you approach the underpainting in a similar fashion to the way that I do- applying cool color to the shadow area and warm color to the lit areas. I am just curious why you placed the lit side of the telephone pole in the foreground to the right? Otherwise it seems that you've indicated the light coming from the top left? I just wanted to know what your thoughts were on doing it this way. I've been painting 3 years- mostly self taught and so I try to learn by looking at what other artists whose work that I like are doing. So I am just curious if I've missed something. Is it because it's in the shadow of a big tree like the guy on the bike? The figure in the foreground is a wonderful touch. I'm still gun shy about adding figures to my landscapes. Any tips you'd be willing to share? Thanks !

Maryanne (a fellow daily painter)

Artist Toni Grote said...

HI Susan
Everytime I go to the dailypainters site I have to stop and look at this painting! Great color, love everything about it!
Take care
Toni

Chris Beck said...

I'm new to your blog. Just want to say how much I like the road series. They're fabulous!

Susan Abbott said...

Thanks so much for your comments, folks. I'm glad you like this. I'm about to post the last of the "Road" set, so my first "Element" is done--seven more to go.

Maryanne, the light is coming from the right here, casting late afternoon long shadows left. I did exaggerate reflected light on the left side of the 2 round trees in the middle, to detach them a bit from the distance, and get some warm color back there.

As to figures--keep drawing. Life classes, sketchbook. Look for painters who work with figures in landscapes (not just the how-to books, go to museums) and study their work. Endless amount to learn, and fortunately it's the most interesting work in the world!