The first step in painting the water is to cover the entire area. Then the flat planes of the two upper levels of the waterfall are blocked in. The rocks show through the thin layer of water flowing over them.
Using a large Bright brush, strokes indicating the cascade of water are dragged down. The paint of the underlying boulders is dry so I allow the brush to skip over their texture, being careful to let some of the dark rocks show through.
The lightest part of the water is the top edge of the falls where the sun catches the water spilling over. The upright part of the falling water is darker. Then the bubbling water at the base of the falls lightens up. Reflections dance on the surface of the rest of the pool. Cathy loves Irises, she requested a combination of soft yellow and blue ones. I paint the foliage first, a departure from my usual sequence of Flowers First, Leaves Last.
The Iris blossoms are painted after the leaves since they sway and bob above the long, strap-like foliage. Then the Canna Lilies growing in the pond are added.
The last flowers to plant are the Deep Pink Peonies growing along the rocks lining the pond. I use mixtures of Alizarin Crimson + White for them.
WE’RE DONE. Painting the sides was a new experience for me. Jack and I love the way they turned out. The hardest part was figuring out how the perspective lines on the floor would go! You can click on the images to see the pictures larger.
Serene Retreat 27″ x 31″ Original Oil Painting
The courtyard garden leading to the red door and the yellow chair, along with the melody of the water splashing happily over the falls, offers a Serene Retreat for our collector’s office. As soon as the piece dries a bit it will be packed up and on it’s way to its new home.
Before I close today we would like to offer prayers to everyone affected by the tornadoes that devastated Oklahoma yesterday and today. It’s hard to know what to say when we see the pictures and hear the stories on the news. We hold all of you close in our hearts,
Mikki Senkarik 
May 21, 2013 at 7:41 AM |
I am happy to see that you are still learning, makes me inspired to keep on breaking ground, thanks Mikki, MJ
May 21, 2013 at 2:56 PM |
THANK YOU MIKKI FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR OKLAHOMA..I LIVE 6 MILES NORTH OF WHERE TORNADO HIT IN MOORE..IT WAS SO SCARY..I LOVE YOUR ART SO MUCH AND HAVE WATCHED FOR YEARS AND YOU CERTAINLY HAVE GOD GIVEN TALENT..
HUGS CELIA BRYANT
May 22, 2013 at 7:12 PM |
Celia,
God Bless you. I hope all of your family and friends are safe. That has to be so scary. We are so proud of you Oklahomans and your spirit. We’re thinking of y’all. Big Hugs, Mikki and Jack
June 15, 2016 at 6:45 AM |
I very much like your style of painting and color choices. Very vibrant. Is there someplace on the net that I can actually watch you paint? I’d love to see you in action.
June 19, 2016 at 5:28 PM |
Paullett, thank you for your kind comments. My blog is the best place to watch me paint. Occasionally I make videos as I paint and include them in my posts. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have. HAPPY PAINTING, Mikki
October 21, 2016 at 11:54 PM |
Absolutely gorgeous.
November 12, 2018 at 1:08 PM |
Mikki hi from Argentina, are you giving some Master class? I love your painting, only painting as a hobby
November 13, 2018 at 9:46 AM |
Hi Irene, I’m so glad you’re painting. Thank you for your kind words and for following my blog. I’m so blessed as an artist, at this time I have so many painting commitments I don’t have time to give classes. That’s one of the main reasons I do the blog, so I can help fellow artists. Please feel free to ask questions! HAPPY PAINTING, Mikki