4-H Camp Overlook
Posted: August 13, 2018 Filed under: Uncategorized 36 CommentsIt was a delight to get away last weekend to visit friends in the Adirondacks because I’ve been busy with a rather time-consuming project these days, and sadly, haven’t had much time to paint. Feels like summer is slipping away and school is starting next week, if you can believe that…
On Saturday morning I set up my easel at one of my favourite spots — on their dock which sits on a narrow channel between two lakes. The opposite shore is quite close and dotted with assorted boat houses, included the one from the 4-H camp.
This is one of the most peaceful places I know, especially very early in the morning when the water in the channel is mirror still. It’s usually quiet at that hour too, but I had to stop painting for a few minutes to watch some noisy drama between a family of ducks and a threatening bald eagle swooping down from the sky.
For this painting I was aiming for colour unity so I started with an overall wash of light yellowish green, leaving a few whites on the house and the canoes. As a warm contrast to that, I added patches of orangey brown. I used lots of negative painting for the trees but kept the darks in the same green or brown range. Painted on Saunders Waterford Rough, 15″ x 11″.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Beautifully done Shari, I love your composition.
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Many thanks Doug.
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Beautiful! You really captured that peaceful time…
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Thanks Rita!
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What a tranquil picture. Thanks for sharing
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And thank you, Denise, for taking the time to write.
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exquisite use of colour
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Many thanks Tylara!
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Looks beautiful ….. the location and the sketch!
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An amazing spot for relaxing, which was exactly what I needed. And great friends there too, so wonderful in every way.
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I absolutely love this piece!!!
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Thanks for letting me know Diane!
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Can feel the quiet. Colors really work. You’ve really traveled this year. Enjoying seeing your paintings of the various places.
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Thanks so much Judy.
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I love the way you have captured the tranquility and your water always looks so water-like…it’s gorgeous, Shari!
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Thanks Marylin!
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Shari, it’s really masterful. The effect of light and the reflections are stunning. And the unity of color definitely comes across. Some change from France and Portugal but just as beautiful.
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Yes, this place is a little different from where I’ve been in France and Portugal, that’s for sure. After I got home from Portugal I realized I hadn’t sketched one tree while I was there. I guess I was missing the greens. Hope you are well.
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Do you know that is the MiniHaHa cabin at 4H Camp Overlook. I attended several years back in the 60’s. That was the cabin we all wanted.
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Wow, I can’t believe you went to the camp. I always find it amazing when someone who follows my blog recognizes something I’ve painted. I can certainly see why that was the coveted cabin!
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I am drawn into this scene completely….the “forest primevil, the whispering pines and the hemlocks…” and wish that I were a dragonfly sitting on the side of that boathouse!
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Many, many thanks for leading me to that poem Jean. It was a joy to read some Longfellow at the end of a long day.
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brings to mind there’s peace inthe valley
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The previous comment led me to a poem, and now I find myself listening to Johnny Cash. Another gem. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
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Amazing!!! I’d like to hear about how not to get lost while negative painting, for me one of the hardest things in watercolor.
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Ah, interesting comment Gil. I can plan the values in a painting, but I have to admit that the negative painting is totally intuitive. Add a bit here and a bit there, is sort of how I do it. I couldn’t try to describe the process. And btw, it is a process that is not always successful.
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This is dreamy!
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Thanks.
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it’s a nuisance when nature gets in the way. Beautiful nevertheless. You are a wonder.
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Darn ducks. Thanks for building me a dock that provides me with this view.
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Even with the complexity of the trees you managed to convey the peace of this spot.
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Thanks Joan.
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Just stunning! In my younger days I hiked in and around the Adirondaks. Looking at your painting, I could feel the cool of the still water and the fragrance of the sunlit pine needles, congratulations!
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My parents had a camp in the Adirondacks for many years. I miss it! So when my good friends extend the invitation, I don’t hesitate to say yes! I just love it there.
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Shari, your reflections are always great, but this one. . . WOW! I’m particularly looking at the section on the left, where you’ve got that spark of yellow ochre, well. That whole area is amazing. Complexity simplified.
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beautiful negative painting!!!!
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