The Valley Lake

[Holley]

Happy New Year Everyone!

It was time to try something new so I thought I would paint my first landscape - remind me to never do that again!
I found this very hard and my hat goes off to all landscape painters!
I painted this one from one of own photos, this is The Valley Lake which is in my hometown.
Pastel pencils 20x27cm on Canson.
Now back to painting animals which I find a bit easier, lol :lol:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jan-2007/28375-Valley_Lake_SP1.jpg

[MarshaSavage]

Holley,
Don't' give up so soon!!!! You did a fine job -- your only problem really seems to be changing the colors, value and temperature as the objects recede. The colors of the background are the same as the colors of your middle and foreground. Remember to lighten as it recedes and also cool the color. If you are already cool, then you might need to brighten and warm up the foreground (which is what I think you need to do).

But, again, I think you did a great job if this is your first landscape!!!:thumbsup:

[Constellation]

Holley..... So... there is someone else who finds landscapes as difficult as I! I think your landscape is lovely... peaceful and serene, a place I'd like to visit and your feeling of incompetence doesn't show at all! ;) It's really very pretty! Donna

[CJMonty]

Holley,

I think this is amazing and looks so inviting, I have been to Mount Gambier a number of times over the years but my last visit there was quite a few years ago now, probably as much as six or so I'm not sure:rolleyes:. We will possibly be passing through your way sometime in early July. I think you have done a wonderful job. Where abouts exactly is this Lake ?

Take Care
Love CJ

[*Violet*]

fabulous, holley ... esp for a first try !!! ... the lake and the reflections therein as well as the transparency in the fore shore are to die for ... i agree that the distance could be paler/cooler and/or the foreground stronger/warmer but i'd be thrilled were this my own !!! ... don't be intimidated !! ... challenge yourself and do more !! ... we'd love to see 'em ... looks like you live in a beautiful area that deserves to be shared ...

[Trilby]

No, No, !!! Practice makes perfect, don't please start the new year saying "too hard, I won't do it again". For a first venture into landscapes this is very well done. I echo the comments of others when I say the water is exquisite. It's wet and reflective. Yes there needs some attention to aerial perspective what is what folks are talking about when they say things pale and cool as they recede (they do on your portraits as well, just more subtlely)
You've composed this well. I would like to see more.
TJ

[Sumariel]

Hm, I stopped to see this because I had never seen a Holley landscape, to find there was a reason . . . .not your bag! However, your skills show through quite clearly here, Holley, and I think the only things that could make it any better are the things Marsha advised. Wonderful, as always.
Suzi

[bock]

I think it's beautiful. Love that water!

Pat

[dragonjewell]

great first try. It's a thoudand times better than my first landscape attempt. keep going!:wave:

Leanne

[Holley]

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I really appreciate all your suggestions. I actually began to enjoy this painting more towards the end but really struggled at the start. I don't have any desire to paint another one at this stage but at least I can say I have attempted one. Who knows what I will paint in the future, it's all about inspiration for me.

CJ - The Valley Lake is right next door to the Blue Lake. They are both actually craters but you have to drive down to this one. People water ski etc on this lake in the warmer months although it is a murky colour. The Blue Lake is our water supply so no swimming or anything is allowed and it is far more striking during this time of year.

Thanks again, hope to share some new work soon :)

[Netty]

I think you have achieved a great job on this Holley! Your natural artistic ability has shown through even though it was your first landscape!
I love the water , it looks so real and inviting!

I have been struggling with a landscape too, lol....... I don't think it is my cup of tea either, but it has been fun and I would like to learn the art of painting landscapes!

Annie-Maree :)