Friday, October 29, 2010

Last Light On The Dam

"Last Light On The Dam"
12x16 oil on linen
Once again, the beaver dam where I grew up has been another source of inspiration for me and here is the result of that inspiration. I do have to say the shadows are a bit cooler and more filled with air than you see here, I'm having photographing issues but am sure I'll figure it out eventually. . . . hoping. . . anyway, I'm sure you can get the gist of it!
This pond is so thick with lily pads and all the other beautifully colored gunk that grows upon the top, especially by the end of the summer, I love all that thick stuff to paint. It's almost like you could walk across the water, it's so dense, I'm assuming that wouldn't work well though. . . .
I used a photo reference for this piece, although I don't do that too often. Since I've painted it enough from life I could simply use the photo as a source of inspiration. The foreground took me a bit to figure out since that part of the photo was virtually no help, it was thick with pads so my goal was to portray that with out over painting them so the eye would pass over them and trail up to the light. Just a few actually lilies were popping out but were positively glowing from the light, really a lovely thing to see. :)
I'm having a show in December with Tom Makestaad in Marine on The St Croix so I plan to have this painting there.

6 comments:

Marc R. Hanson said...

There's some Monet happening here. The mood, color and light are all combining to make me feel as if I'm standing on an old dock quietly, absorbing the last little bit of warmth that the day had to offer.
I like it... :) I love it!

Judy P. said...

Kami, lately when I check out your paintings I think you must be hitting on a new level of growth. This painting has such depth and feeling!

jesusest@gmail.com said...

What an excellent painting congratulation you are very inspired, and also inspiring. keep going.I love what you are doing.

Amanda Jones said...

Beautiful piece. You have so captured the wonderful warm fading light. It just glows with atmosphere.

Kami Mendlik said...

Thanks Everyone, I really appreciate all your wonderful feedback! :)

Artist Graham Barry said...

This is a beautiful painting. I strive to create like richness and warmth in my watercolors. Your work is inspirational!