Diamonds in the Desert
Acrylic, 18"x24", museum wrapped
Presentation at Rehearsal Dinner
This composite features the warm sunrise sky, detail on the close up trees, and flowers, including some with detail in the foreground. I used the Filtered Sky photo on the bottom. I can add some mountains or rocks on the horizon., or the Spirit animal of the Park (coyote) in a hidden place.
DAY 4
I have at least one coat of paint throughout your entire painting. I needed to change the size of the tree a bit as I couldn't get the proper distance perspective with it larger, partially off the page. I wanted it to be a complete scene of the area. When I add other trees, cacti, and flowers in the foreground, as well as mountains in the distance, you will hopefully feel a vast vista!
I plan to place some mountains, rock formations on the sides, but I am planning to make them fairly small, in the distance. I can lighten the lower sky a bit if you wish. I can also blend in the outlining on the tree if you prefer. I thought this helped it a bit. There are lots of colors in the tree, and about 5 layers so far!
I will be adding more layers of paint and highlights throughout. It looks really nice at night, too!
Please let me know what you think, and I will continue to paint. If you want to stop in to see it, please let me know when is good for you!
Final Checklist:
Add small Joshua trees to left horizon
Add dark mountain rock
Add evening primroses. (In forefront, they were too bright, so I muted them)
Added to area near ring.
Corrected ring back
Highlights on main tree
Add blue to sky below cloud
Touch up all sides
Add bobcat to side
Specifications:
•18"x24" canvas, gallery profile, Blick premiere,
•Golden Acrylic paints, glazes
•joshua trees, scene from park
•flowers in foreground, found in the park
•rocks or mountains in distance?
•engagement ring incorporated in painting
DAY 5
Today I lightened the sky a bit, and softened the edges on the large Joshua Tree. I also corrected the dark area at the top corners.
I added a new tree midway, as well as some rocks, mountains and a yucca on the right. I have placed Stephanie's ring in the foreground, on a rock to the left. I can paint it out if you don't like it there. I tried several times, and this was the best version. I'm concerned that if it is on the side, it might get blocked in framing.
I've added the desert paintbrush flowers, and a few other subtle areas. If you want more flowers, please let me know which ones.
Also, if you want some type of animal or lizard, I can place that on the side or in the painting.
After I finish, I will add a coat of varnish. It can be glossy or matte.
Please let me know what you think. I am getting close to where I would stop painting, and sign. If you'd like to stop in to see it, please let me know when is good for you!
More Progress Photos.....
Reference materials from Joshua Tree
Project was creating a surprise wedding gift commissioned painting for a young couple who were engaged at Joshua Tree National Park
Inspiration Photo for main tree and sky
Commission for Alex and Stephanie
Best wishes for many happy years together!