Sun Showers - Process

"Sun Showers"

Pastel 10x14 on Richeson Premier

The marsh lies wet and waiting as the rains pass and the clouds begin to break.  The sun suddenly bursts through and paints streaks and patches of the wet marsh in blazes of color, but the still-falling rain softens and mutes the reflections in the water.

The Painting Process

The finished painting came a long way from where I started.  I found the original picture in a pile of unfinished paintings.  It had good color and a pleasing composition with a few obvious problems.

Original painting from October, 2012

I had began this painting in October, 2012, in a Maggie Price workshop, but it was never finished.  I do not remember much about the original intention except that the focal point was to be a bent palm tree on the right that extended out over the water.  The unfinished trunk was still in the picture.

First Black and White Image

The palm tree was never going to work, so my first goal was to come up with a workable, interesting idea that eliminated the poor palm tree altogether.  I printed the picture in black and white to see the comparative values and design.

Black and white print of painting with gray pastel changes

I made some notes on this print and added some initial composition changes with gray pastels.  Four of the major changes were to (1) lower the horizon line by cropping an inch from the bottom of the painting. (2) raise the bushes on the right to break the line of the marsh grass, (3) to eliminate the palm tree. and (4) to punch the lighter values to show the areas of sunlight.

Making Notes About Thoughts and Ideas

Here are my notes on the idea that developed along with the changes in the composition.  I've added transcriptions since the photos are a little hard to read.

Notes from the first B&W print

"Idea - can't remember what my original idea was - Maggie Price Workshop - 10/24/2012 (6 1/2 years ago!)

I think I used NuPastels for the grass, browns, golds - It's like looking at a child's drawing on the refrigerator door trying to decide what it is.

- What is strongest interest in painting as it is? - contrasts in color and values, warm tone

- What are the weaknesses?

• Straight line of grass across the center of the picture
• no eye magnet - center of interest

- Idea / thought - add birds in flight, egrets"

At this point, I knew I needed to have a clear statement of my goal, so I wrote one that I used throughout the painting process.

Idea for the painting - written on one of the B&W prints

"Idea - sun breaking through broken clouds after a shower moves through

      Grass is wet

      Sun in spots

      focal point of painting - where [do] I want the eye to rest?"

The "Iterative" Process

I went through this iterative process at least 4 times with taking photos, printing them in black and white, and making changes with shades of gray NuPastels.  This process permits me to work with values rather than color keeping the composition elements consistent.  

My final effort was to manage the water in such a way that it had believable color, shade, and value without becoming a distraction while showing that the rain was still falling.

I'm satisfied that I accomplished those goals in the final painting.

Last Rays

Pastel, 12x18

After a cloudy, rainy afternoon, the clouds move off to the east and the sun breaks through as it sets.  A final ray of bright sunlight ignites the top of the dune setting the wet sand and grass aflame with color while the rest of the dunes lie in quiet awe to support the grandeur.

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