Discussions with Mark Norseth

After a couple of less -than-optimal days of weather, I got a nice break yesterday, and was treated to the light conditions that this painting is about. I was able to see the ensemble effect (all the components in the same light) and work on the water and foreground areas for over an hour.  Some color notes I never could have imagined presented themselves and I was able to catch them.

The blues and greens in the water are easy to hokey-up into a mouthwash aqua color…so I especially valued the opportunity to study them under the right conditions, along with the surrounding greys and warm notes that envelope them.

I hope I can avoid the piecemeal look that an outdoor painting stretched over days can acquire.  So far, I think I’m okay.  Give me two more afternoons of the right light and I’m probably done.

Here’s a look back at the first afternoon’s work for comparison.  I love the texture:

And the sketch that started it all:

This pastel is springing into shape after several sessions on location. It’s being documented in stages as a new demonstration piece for the site.

It’s 22 x 30″, painted on a surface I prepare myself.  If I can accomplish nothing more, I hope to keep it lively and unified.  The beautiful subject deserves it.

A little close-up.  The warm and cool notes of color have been tricky to get a handle on.