Painting process | April Light, Lake Wanaka
This is the process for my painting of the view from Roy's Peak, overlooking Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains in New Zealand.
Preliminary sketches and studies
I started with tiny thumbnail sketches working out the composition, edges and values.
Next, I did a larger black and white sketch bringing together the design decisions I made for the painting. It has to stand up as an interesting piece at this stage, or colour won’t salvage it!
Here is my colour study for this painting. I’ve taken my decisions from my black and white studies into this painting to check the success of the piece.
Preparing the board
I applied 3 coats of gesso and then toned the board with a mid-tone orange undercoat. In this photo I’m checking the value against the mid-tone of a cardboard box. Working from a middle value helps me better judge lights and darks in the painting.
The painting
I started with the lightest part - the sky and water.
This is the first layer. I’ve worked entirely with soft edges so as to focus on values.
This is the finished, signed painting! I particularly worked on refining the foreground texture and pushing the background mountains to dissolve into the clouds to give the entire painting a sense of depth.
The shadows in Queenstown have a distinct, striking strong blue hue that I loved capturing in this painting!
My very messy palette that created this piece.
Crisp light and deep blue shadows.
This is the view from Roy's Peak, overlooking Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains near Queenstown in New Zealand.
I visited in April for my brother's wedding and was simply captivated by the landscape!!
Read the story behind this painting →
Details
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Size: 59 × 42 cm (before framing)
Framing: Premium custom framing included.
Shipping: Worldwide shipping included.
Your painting comes with:
What Comes with Your Painting: Story and Care Package
Premium custom framing to perfectly complement your painting, your style and your home.
A beautiful hardcover book detailing the story behind your painting
All preliminary sketches and paintings, so you own the entire story.
Peace-of-mind secure packing and international tracked shipping
Certificate of authenticity to verify your painting for generations
A cleaning and hanging kit to make caring for your painting straightforward
Some fun packs of playing and greeting cards featuring your painting
How to Buy
Each painting is custom framed and delivered with care, so I handle every purchase personally.
I’d love to thank you directly, discuss your framing preferences, and arrange a delivery time that suits you.
Click “Enquire to Buy” to get in touch. I’ll confirm availability, go over the framing and shipping details, and send a secure invoice if you’d like to proceed.
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