Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Lake Louise

Lake Louise
5 x 7 oils on panel

Lake Louise is the reference image kindly provided by Debbie Later for the Virtual Sketch Date for February.

Its funny because I have a photo of me at this same lake, at virtually the same viewpoint - as do likely thousands of others who visit Banff to experience the mountains. The lake in summer is an amazing turquoise colour, fed by glacier springs from the mountains. The skiiing there is beyond compare and I'd highly recommend a visit if you're anywhere nearby.

Landscapes are not my strong suit, but I like to keep trying in the hopes that they'll do what I want them to one day. This little piece was fun to do and I find if I paint them quickly, concentrating on values and shapes without fiddling with details, they seem to come out better. This one may have some adjustments to it but for now it stands.

12 comments:

Gina Cuff said...

Very nice, Jeanette!

Anita said...

Very nice, Jeanette. Hope I will get to do this in time before the deadline.

Teresa Mallen said...

Ah Lake Louise...I am trying to visualize this as a 5 x 7. As I look at it on screen, it seems like it would be on a larger canvas. Computers unfortunately can't give us a sense of scale. I do love the look of small oil paintings. I like the colours you used in the mountains, very nice!

laura said...

I think it's lovely, majestic and serene. I'm going to try your method: paint quickly and concentrate on values and shapes. I get too seduced by color to the detriment of other values!

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Ah, beautiful!

Jo Castillo said...

Very nice, Jeanette, that is such a beautiful place and you created a lovely painting. So much in a small space.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Gina

Anita, it would be great if you are able to join in.

Teresa, I was aiming for speed so went for the small format. Sometimes scenes like this need a larger scale to do them justice.

Laura, simplifying scenes often helps I've found.

Thank you Peggy

The lake is very beautiful Jo, as is the whole area. I love the mountains.

Ramana KV said...

Concentrating on the values and shapes has paid very well.. I agree that details are less important in landscapes..

Gail Bartel said...

Terrific Jeanette...Love the work on the mountains, conveys all the perspective and shadow that's needed. We Canadaians are truly blessed with all our landscape reference material just outside our front door. Too bad there's ice on this lake 8 months of the year.
Thanks for the view.

Stacy said...

Jeanette, your loose handling of this adds a lot of interest to the image. You seem to have gotten fully back into the swing of oils.

Quilt knit said...

You certainly did a wonderful job!

Sherrie Roberts

Nothing to See said...

This turned out really well.