Arboretum melt
Posted: April 5, 2021 Filed under: Uncategorized 36 CommentsOn Saturday we took a walk through the Morgan Arboretum. I didn’t have a sketchbook with me, nor was I wearing rubber boots. We managed to find a way through the brush so that we could avoid walking through the wettest part of the trail, but I did take a few photos because the melting snow and greenish water were so beautiful.
Today I was determined to paint the scene on a half sheet of watercolour paper, and it did take several tries before I ended up with something I was happy with. I wanted some of the melting snow to look partially submerged, and I also wanted to create a sense of movement with the brushstrokes.
I think I will go back to the Arboretum this week to paint the same scene, on location, this time with my rubber boots! It will be interesting to compare the results of studio vs plein air, provided I am successful and I don’t get knocked into the water by an overly zealous dog on the trail.
Shari, this is really stunning. The reflections, the transparency, the color and what a composition. I don’t see how you can top this, even on location. You continue to amaze!
Jeff, thank you. As you might see today, the experience of painting the same scene on location yields a completely different result. But glad I did both. Hope it’s warming up in Vermont and hope that you too are seeing signs of spring.
So exquisite – lovely colours and movement as though the earth is gleefully breaking free from it’s wintry bonds – I can imagine Vivaldi’s “Spring” playing in the background!!!!
That is a beautiful description Gayle. Thanks so much.
Shari–this is beautiful! I love the swirly water and all the reflections. Beware of overly zealous dogs!!
I was back today but there were no dogs on the trail. Maybe too wet for most!
You nailed it! Can’t wait for comparison painting on scene. Beware of unleaded running wild dogs! Hold tight to your supplies.
I was there again today Bernadette. No dogs, no snow, but still a great experience to be outside painting. I appreciate it more this year than any other.
I love the way you convey the movement and tint of the cold water. The warm hues on the trees make me think they are enjoying the refreshing spring run off. I really look forward to seeing this alongside your plein air work too. Make sure those are warmly lined waterproof boots tomorrow!
Jan, I wore my boots and their warm liners. If you follow me on Instagram you will see a photo of my boots in my stories! Warm and dry!!
WoWzie !
xx
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Merci Karim. Xoxo
I was walking (with waterproof boots) in a wet wooded area the other day and I thought to myself, how might this be painted?
This is a spectacular painting. Almost otherworldly!
Thanks Alison. I hope you take your sketchbook to the wet wooded area next time!!
All I can say is “Oh, Wow! Just gorgeous. And ditto what has been said . I wasn’t sure what it was about at first which mad it even more special. It is hard to stop looking at it. So beautiful.
Ahhh, Judy. Thanks so much.
That’s beautiful! The water looks so fluid.
Thanks for having a look Joyce!
How many more adjectives can be said about this? It’s mesmerizing! So easy to get lost looking at all your brushstrokes. Absolutely stunning, You are fearless!
Thank you Denise. Sometimes when I have a complex painting like this in mind, I fall asleep thinking about how I will tackle it. It doesn’t always solve the problem but it helps. Or else it keeps me awake : )
Shari…this is very beautiful!!!!! Happy spring to you.
Happy Spring to you too Beth. And thanks for having a look!
Excellent painting of Morgan Arboretum, it looks very “Vernal” I really like how you captured the water.
Thanks so much Shawn!
Hi Shari,
I don’t know how you could do anything better!
Question or comment..
I enjoyed doing the Winter scene class the other day. I have a tube of Graham and WN cerulean. Boy, what a difference! They are two entirely different blues!
Thanks so much Lynn!
As for the Cerulean Blue, it is the one pigment that differs so radically from one manufacturer to the next. I know they all have different pigment numbers so they are not actually the same pigment, and that’s what is confusing. All the same name but each one different. That’s why you need to try them and work with them to really understand them.
Hi Shari,
Well put. I will buy a new tube of WN as mine is pretty dried up! LOL the other brands seems to be more cobalt like. Thanks for your response. Will you three ever do that cancelled workshop in CA again? Lynn
What everybody wrote!! Wow!!
Thank you Suzanne!
Really like!
Thanks so much Susie.
Love this ! You’ve captured the melting snow and swirling waters so beautifully! It has so much movement… amazing Shari! Thanks for sharing ..mira
Thank you Mira. It was really such a beautiful scene. I’m so happy I found the time to paint this week. Sometimes the week gets away from me and it seems all I’ve done is stuff on the computer. Hope all is well with you.
Good Evening dear friend Shari
VERY BEAUTIFUL SKETCH.
I think the most complicated was drawing those trees.
Excellent.
Blessings
Uma
Thanks so much Uma. Actually the trees were easy. Those most difficult and complicated were the layers of snow and water.
Good Afternoon dear friend Shari,
You are indeed a professional.
As a layman, it is amazing to see even the tress at infinite projected with detailed features and that made me fall into that impression.
Excellent work.
Blessings
Uma.