Snow In No Thoroughfare Canyon - 8x12"
No Thoroughfare Canyon runs along the south-eastern boundary of Colorado National Monument. Several good rim overlooks can be found along the county road that provides access to the upper trailhead. Fresh snow is always a treat in the canyons, and I had scouted this viewpoint in fairer weather with the intent of returning after a storm.
STEP 1: THUMBNAIL SKETCH
As usual, I begin with several small graphite drawings, roughly 2 x 3". In a case like this, where the composition encompasses a wide view, this step is particularly helpful in simplifying the complex array of shapes and values in the canyon down to a manageable level.
STEP 2: LAY IN THE DESIGN
The simplified sketch is transferred to the canvas with a mixture of dirty turpentine and cadmium red medium.
STEP 3: BLOCKING IN
I work over the entire canvas, making sure to keep things simple as I establish the primary notes in each area, and paying particular attention to values. By the time I am done with this step I want to have a succinct and simple statement of the light and mood upon which I can then lay in refinements.
STEP 4: HITTING THE WALL
One of the delights and challenges of the canyon country is the subtle variation of color and value in large masses of sandstone. As these are an important element of the piece, I begin working back and forth between the sunlit and shaded cliff faces, getting the character of their weathered surfaces.
STEP 5: JUST ENOUGH TO TELL THE TALE
Adding shadows to the foliage helps resolve them without over-complicating things. The streambed in the middle ground is resolved, and then the snow is added slowly and deliberately. The key in this painting is preserving the simplicity - I want to tell the tale without getting lost in meaningless detail. In a panoramic subject like this, it can be tempting to put in the details which are so abundant, and lose the integrity of the overall composition.
FINISHED!