Research for a painting

[Joesus]

Started on a canvas working from life. Wasn't happy with it so doing some sketches and studies to try and produce something I am happy with.

Order of preference: Top least, bottom most.

Current state of canvas (has been painted over using acrylics & photos as reference since original sitting):


Struggling with what to do with the colours...
Quick digital experimentation:


Still have lots of research to do on this one, tonnes of detail has been completely omitted; need to go back there and do some more studies.

[JBurrough]

I really like the process here and the product is very nice. If you're trying to take this one further and just stuck for some inspiro - I'd recommend some anime landscape shots. I know, but I think that those beautifully colored (and usually wonderfully lit) landscapes will provide some motivation on this one. If you can find stills from "Voices of a Distant Star" it will be well worth it, I promise.

Also look at the work of John Pitre - you can find him on the web. Some of his work is a bit out there, but he has fantastic landscapes and the man is truly a master of lighting and mood.

My only other thought is Bob Ross.

Fantastic work, great progression, inspires me to get on the wacom tonight.
Cheers, luck in battle.

- JoBu

[wooblood]

Looking at your current state image, I think you can really push the application of atmospheric perspective to really give the painting a feeling of space and depth. As it seems like you did in the experimental image, saturate the closer elements and desaturate the further ones, as well as fading the furthest elements into the sky. The experimental image looks much more successful as a sunny landscape, while the current state one looks more like an overcast day.