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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Fern Canyon~First Landscape


Landscapes...a subject I've managed to avoid for my entire painting 'career' until this past week. I've had this niggling little urge to try my hand at one since I attempted to paint my trillium landscape, which btw is still waiting in the wings. I finally decided to have a go at Fern Canyon because I was so taken with it's beauty. I took elements I liked from both photos (previously posted) and tried to incorporate them into one painting. My goal was to convey the feeling of entering into another world within a world. One that is lush and green and cool. Isn't that what landscape painters do? Try to take the viewer there, wherever 'there' may be and hopefully allow them to experience what the artist experienced?

14 comments:

Billie Crain said...

Thanks, Jan! Not too bad for a first try. Now to repeat. Landscapes do not come natural to me.

perugina said...

Hi Billie!
I can’t think of a reason why you would be avoiding landscapes up until now when I look at this!
Fern Canyon is breathtaking! Through this painting I was able to enter and be transported into this other world. A world of cool, peace and tranquillity hearing only the soft echo of bird songs.
Thank you for allowing us to see through your eyes and to experience what it is you did – beautiful!

Jeanette Jobson said...

I think you've succeeded very well. Landscapes and you are a good mix, whether they are your comfort level or not.

Kathy said...

There is something a bit mystical about it...lovely.

Tracey said...

great job you really captured the light as well as the calm, what were you waiting for ;)

Billie Crain said...

Thank you, Perugina.:) I accomplished my mission!

Thank you Jeanette.:) I am in no way comfortable with them but I'd like to be. It's kinda like you and flowers.;)

Mystical...that's the perfect word, Kathy! Mother Earth was showing off her talents when she created these beauties.

I was waiting for a scene that meant something to me, Tracey. This one brought back good memories so I could put more into this landscape then just paint and detail.

vivien said...

and you succeeded - it is cool and green and wet

more!!

Billie Crain said...

I am looking for more inspiring scenes to paint, Vivien. I guess I'm not easily impressed OR I just don't pay attention when I'm out and about on some errand. The latter is probably the case. I know if I intentionally go looking for something inspiring I never seem to find it. I need to carry my camera more often, too.

Nick said...

Seems like you're a natural for the genre, Billie, despite your feelings. This is really good! What would throw me while painting this,is knowing that ultracool thing with the poppy in the Aug. 30 post is sitting there waiting to be painted - I hope you might agree that is the place to be directing your energies at the moment. There will always be misty landscapes and birch trees around, go for the killer stuff!!

Billie Crain said...

FYI, that ultra cool poppy is half painted but I'm not happy with the colors I chose so it's standing in the corner. I'm not sure it can be saved or if I'll have to start all over again. I'm keeping busy while I procrastinate.

Anonymous said...

thats really great!

Billie Crain said...

Thank you, Artpencil! Sorry to be so late in responding.:( Haven't had much time for blogging lately.

Btw, I adore your snails!

Donna B. said...

HOLY SMOKES!! That is your first landscape?? It is gorgeous!! I like the way you explain all your processes, and I am trying desperately to learn Photoshop Elements 6.0....so I am following you, girl!

Billie Crain said...

Hi Donna and welcome to my blog.:) I'm very happy(!)you like the landscape and decided to follow. When I'm painting a new subject I'm never sure if it's good or bad.

I try to post updates as I discover/conquer something new using Elements 6. I know there's many out there like me that struggle with this sort of thing and are looking for any help they can find. I'm happy to share what I learn.:)