Illinois countryside inspires painting

Sunday, August 30th, 2009 | Posted in: demonstrations, paintings of beautiful places

Hanging Out in Illinois 18x24 Original Watercolor Painting

While traveling cross-country this Summer I spotted an old farm house with a few clothes hanging out to dry. It was a very overcast and gray day, but I could imagine the scene in full sunshine with flowers blooming. I did a quick sketch and later a small watercolor study to capture the scene in my memory. I just completed “Hanging Out in Illinois” a larger 18×24 original watercolor painting. Visit my blog to read more about my travels to beautiful places.

As always I block in my large mid value shapes first and begin establishing my dark values. With my darkest dark in I can begin to add detail. I work over the whole painting, but not to long on any one area. Included is the scene that inspired my painting “Hanging Out in Illinois.” I thought it convenient that there was actually red hanging on the clothesline which would be the perfect compliment to all the greens.

Illinois Wash Day watercolor study

Blocking in large shapes

Establishing value and color

My inspiration!