Hill Country Overlook Continued……….

The shadows on the terra-cotta tile floor are blocked in with several combinations of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange. Colors left over from the door and Wisteria are added into the dark area to imply reflections shimmering in the wet tile.

Perspective lines are drawn freehand into the wet paint of the floor. I can’t use the mahl stick here, it would limit the movement of my arm and prevent me from making a smooth, straight line. You can click on the image to view an enlargement.

While the tile floor is still wet I sign the painting, bracing my hand against the frame. I don’t wait until the piece is finished, it would be too difficult to make my signature over the bumpy, semi-dry paint. The blue painter’s tape covers our White Senkarik Signature Frame, it will be pulled off when Hill Country Overlook is finished, leaving a nice clean edge.

The dark shadow across the front of the courtyard floor acts as a “Threshold”. The sunlit area behind the dark foreground draws the viewer’s gaze over the shadow. Much like stepping over the “Threshold” to go through a doorway. The sunny landscape beyond the dark adobe wall and Wisteria uses the same technique; the light in back of the dark is planned to pull you into the distance. This will be much more apparent when the piece is finished. Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik

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