oil on watercolor moleskine sketchbook
The next few weeks will be busy ones and so the day I received this from Camille, I began my painting for Dominique. Through painting this, I learned that moleskine watercolor paper is quite durable because this went through a couple of wipe outs before I found a direction I liked.
Each summer I visit my hometown in SW Louisiana and my brother gives me a day where he brings me to different rural areas. Shane brings his camera & tripod, books, and sketchbook and finds ways to stay busy while I paint. When I'm finished, we pack up and head to another location. One of my favorite places to paint is called Lake Martin, located between Lafayette and Breaux Bridge. It's about 9,500 acres of cypress swamps, along with a rookery, and a nature trail. I've never been on the nature trail because when I visit it is alligator nesting season and the trails are closed. I'm always amazed at the number of alligators we see, and am very grateful they appear to prefer the water areas and not the area on land where I am painting. While painting, we are entertained by a number of different egrets, spoonbills, ibis', and of course the very loud mating calls of the alligators. There are always a few people fishing, some in boats and others alongside the banks. I've never been to Lake Martin where we have not run into professional photographers camped out in their cars with giant lenses waiting for the perfect picture opportunity.
I have collected a variety of photos from Lake Martin for future paintings and this is one of the many I've been wanting to paint.
On the opposite side of the swamp are a few private homes, a very eclectic mix. There is one home that is designed by it's architect owner and it looks like a tall, narrow fortress, the neighboring home is a farm with the friendliest horses and cows. There are several private dirt roads leading, I am assuming, to private residences, Dominique's painting is of one of those private roads. Take a minute and google Lake Martin Louisiana images, you will not be disappointed!
This is a gorgeous painting Angela. You portrayed all the lushness of a swamp and brought in some beautiful areas of light. I really like the red plants in front.
ReplyDeleteVern is right, it's gorgeous! It looks like a fun place to try and get lost. I really like the sunny clearing in the distance and the way some of the trees lean in over the path. Beautifully and gracefully executed in such harmonious colors. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh ........ I love it. The path looks like it is leading you into mesmerizing discoveries. Love those trees. Louisiana here I come. I love dirt paths they have an appeal all their own. Thank you Angela for creating such a fabulous piece in my book. ( ... and I did not need a margaritas to admire the trees... lol )
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful Angela! Dominique is a lucky lucky gal. I love the rich almost jewel tones you used. Absolutely fabulous!
ReplyDeleteIdyllic. I want to walk down that path right now. Beautifully composed and executed.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful job, Angela. I love the play of light and shadow.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, Angela! You've handled a good play of colour and light! It's very hard to handle these foliage scenes but you done well to edit the unnecessary and zoom in on the vital! Great piece!
ReplyDeleteIt is so lush and beautiful, Angela. I also love the composition leading you down the path. (Though I might be a little leery of the alligators!)
ReplyDeleteAngela, such a nice, inviting piece. I lived in Sulphur for many years and went over to Avery Island so many times. When I was in Jaycees, New Iberia, Rayne,and Breaux Bridge were favorite haunts. You have captured the mood and essence of that beautiful country, masterfully.
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