Moonlit Backyard 8x10 (oil sketch)
I was awake at 4:15 this morning and noticed the moonlight shining on the wall. I got up and put the coffee on and set up my paintbox next to the window in my studio. I wanted to try to capture the moonlight on the snow in my neighbors yard. The fence that surrounds her yard provided the contrast needed to showcase the moonlit snow.
Its enjoyable doing these exploratory sketches where you don't have to worry about producing a finished painting. They(sketches) help you learn about subtle differences in value without being bogged down in detail. This is an important ingredient for setting the mood in your paintings.
I do a lot of these sketches which never make it to paintings but they are a valuable tool for learning about light. Its the constant pratice that helps you produce finished paintings.
Well, thats how my morning got started. Enjoy the rest of the day.
