Day 86: Vanishing Light

Day 86: Vanishing Light

I really wanted to capture the morning light looking east from the sea to the nearby mountains. I knew it would be a fleeting light effect and it’s one I often times avoid painting because it’s so subtle. Today I thought that it was time to have a go at this morning light on the sea before the sun got too high and the lines of light and shadow got sharp.Morning Mountains, Imperia6×8″Oil on Panel© Kelly Medford, 2012Afterwards I realized that there were a few people out on the rocks fishing and I was so concentrated on other things in the painting that I forgot to put them in…With these small paintings I often debate whether to paint something more simple or a larger view. The larger view for me is more difficult to manage in this format, but it’s something to practice and see how to make it work. I think the best way to handle the wide view on a small format is to get the main idea. Here that was the rocks, water, two mountains and the sky. From there I have to make decisions about what to add and what to leave out. This is today’s result, and what a joy to spend the morning painting into the sea breeze.You can buy today’s painting here on my website for $120.Thanks for following the 120 Day Project!