The narrows
Posted: September 17, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized 43 CommentsIt seems that a recent cold spell has triggered fall foliage colours in the northern Adirondacks. I spent the weekend visiting friends and painting the multitude of views from their dock, which is situated on a narrow channel between two lakes. It couldn’t have been a better weekend for painting — sunny with no wind and a soundtrack provided by loons and ducks — so I took full advantage of the setting. Painted on Fabriano 140 lb. rough paper, 15″ x 11″.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Absolutely stunning. I always look forward to opening your blog posts. Do you put the water down first and then add the reflections or take the blue over the greens?
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Thanks for writing Sally. For this one, the painting process was pretty straightforward. I painted the sky and the light water at the same time, painting around the white of the boathouses. When that was dry I painted the lighter mass of trees and their reflections in the water. The very darks came in after that, and then the details on the structures. It was a fairly fast painting to complete.
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This is just beautiful!
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Many thanks Savanna.
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I love this! The stillness of the lake surface, the algae greens, the turquoises and cinnamon in the distance. You make the day in all its dimensions come alive for us. Thank you!
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Ah, thanks Barbara. I like your description of the colours, especially the cinnamon.
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I love this! Such rich, fall colors!!
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Thanks Missy!
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Fall is my favorite of all seasons. Your painting is lovely. As always it is such a treat to get your email and fresh watercolors. Thanks for sharing.
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As always, a treat for me to read your comments Bernadette.
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This really calls to me, a lazy end of summer feel. Your reflections & cast shadows are terrific! I’m in California & would love to take a workshop from you.
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Thanks for writing. Are you on my workshop mailing list? That is the best way to make sure you get advance notice about workshops.
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Love your Light!
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Thanks so much!
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The color is extraordinarily rich and deep. I love it!
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Always great to hear from you Dee!
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“,,a soundtrack provided by loons and ducks..” – I like that ! Beautiful painting too.
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Thanks Kevin. It really was a noisy bird weekend. Herons flew by too but they were silent…
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This is as fresh as can be! I have watercolour envy… 🙂
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Rebecca, that is the best comment I can receive. Freshness is what we all hope for in our watercolours.
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You speak the truth… 🙂
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Like everyone else I absolutely love this! Beautifully designed and executed. Looking at it is an art lesson as well as food for the soul. Mr Whitney would have been proud of you!
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Tony, thanks! I was happy with the result and glad I didn’t fuss with it too much. It managed to stay fresh. That happens so rarely…
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One can just feel the quiet in this. It is amazing. Looking forward to fall colors but not here yet.
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Thanks Judy.
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I just love how expressive your style is – so crisp and not fussy or overdone. This is beautiful.
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Many thanks Mary Jo. For this one I tried to express the scene with the minimum of brush strokes.
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Geez Shari it looks like I could cast a line right in the still water and catch a bass!
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Richard, there were, in fact, a few fisherman in a boat very close by when I painted. Not sure what they caught, if anything. Makes me think I should have painted them too!
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This is stunning – composition & color strike me first thing – you always have great values ; this is a desktop keeper for enjoyment & study for a long time
I’m really happy you finally had painting time for yourself – sorry school added this extra course but free time equals a winner
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Thanks Soni. I am paying for the weekend now because my grading has caught up with me. But it doesn’t matter. I managed to paint four quarter sheets, so I’m happy for that!!
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Beautiful! I love how simplified the shapes are with only a few details over top. Such a confident brush stroke!
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Thanks Janet. I did try to simplify the shapes on this one and not fuss with it too much.
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My favorite place in the world, you captured the clean, bright colors, I could smell fall in the air, thank you!
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Thanks Laurie. One of my favourite places too.
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The colors are amazing!
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Thanks so much Ren!
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Also wanted to ask – is this with QoR paints or your regular palette ?
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Soni, this is with my regular palette. I don’t think I could have achieved these darks with Qor. I had a hard time getting them dark enough in my trial sketch last week.
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Beautiful! I love all your bits of white that are twinkling all over this.
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Thanks Joan!
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Love your work!!!
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Many thanks!
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