National Parks Series
I have visited the Grand Canyon more than once, and distinctly remember the very first time I saw it. We parked in the lot, and my husband went to check into the hotel. I walked in the direction of the other visitors, sure they knew where to find this natural wonder. As I walked across the trail that lined the Grand Canyon, I could see beyond into what seemed like an endless, beautifully layered, deep, deep, formation of incredible structures that defied desciption. Looking down into the canyon, I cried at the shear enormity and magnificence of it all. This piece is so challenging to me, because it is impossible to capture the Grand Canyon in a painting or even a perfect photograph. It is GRAND!! ENORMOUS! INCREDIBLE! It takes your breath away. It deserves to be held in the highest regards as something so unique and intricate. Never-the-less, I am going to try to paint how I see the Grand Canyon.
Values
One of my instructors was always stressing the importance of a good value study. Where are the darks, the lights, the shadows, the focus????
I used an application I have (Pro Create) to give me an idea of these things by using color. Here is the value reference picture I will be using.
First Washes
This very first wash was to set the color pallete in place. I wanted the piece to be a gray/salmon color in the background, where I could then add layers of colors on top to bring out the various shades of the formations.
I sprinkled water over the paint while it was still wet, to add some texture. I then scrubbed out the parts of the river that ended up with too much color.
This piece is the largest one I ever did! It is, after all, the Grand Canyon! It is challenging to work on such a big piece of paper.
More Splatter
I went a little nuts splashing water on the paper. I wanted to create texture and give myself a base on which to see the structure of the formations. Although it looks strange, I can see where I am going with this.
Layers
I’m starting to add definition to the top layers of the formations. This is such a basic layer, it will have lots more on top to create the look of the canyon.
Process
I have been asked how I create my Cookie Cutter paintings, so thought I would include the process here:
Once I find a good combination of cookie cutter and image, I make a paper cutout of the cookie cutter, often enlarging it a bit, out of heavy construction paper. I put a bit of tape on the back of the paper and stick it to my watercolor paper. Then, I go around the construction paper with masking fluid (1). Once the masking fluid is dry, I sketch the image inside the cookie cutter shape. With the masking fluid still on I start to paint, usually putting down a light wash so I will know where the outline of the cookie cutter is (2). Once I know I’ll be able to see where the outline is, I remove the masking fluid and them complete the painting (3).
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