Here is how I developed this painting:
Thumbnail sketches are how I always start thinking about making a painting. These little drawings help me think about the overall value pattern. The smaller one on the left is about 2 inches square.
The next step is to work out the value pattern in a little more detail. This drawing is about 8 x 12 inches. I have used powdered graphite here because I like how it keeps me from getting too detailed at this point. The value pattern is still the most important consideration here.
The next step is a 5 x 7 inch colour study. I don't always do this step but because the colour itself is a challenge for me I needed all the preparation I could get. I decided to start with a wash of yellow gold, graded from the bottom to the top of the page and painting around some of the white trunks. The yellow under glaze has really helped to unify the colours so now I am ready to start the painting.
5 x 7 study for Fall Colours
This is as far as I got for the class demonstration. The saved whites have been washed with a light purple. My concern is still to maintain the value pattern
Here is the final painting
