Wednesday, April 22, 2009

New Landscape

Philosopher's Rock, Tanque Verde, 9X12 oil on linen panel, ©2009


Hi Everyone,
This painting is of an area near Tucson Arizona known as Tanque Verde Falls. I live in Minnesota and though I'm looking to eventually make the move to Arizona, I don't know where the scenic areas are. Luckily, my wife grew up in Tucson and she knows where these areas are. During our last trip home for us to visit family, she wasn't able to take me out sightseeing as we usually do. Ann's dad offered to take me to one of his favorite spots, the Tanque Verde Waterfall. When we got there, and I stood high above the area looking down to a river far below, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. When we climbed down to the river itself, I was surprised at how much water was flowing here in the desert. It was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. There were a number of people splashing in the pools, swimming, playing with their dogs and just having a ball. Obviously, this scene isn't of the waterfall. But I was struck by the fact that this tree had sprung up out of the water in front of this huge boulder. Then I realized that the water was unusually high and this tree was normally along the bank for most of the year, not growing out of the water.

I love to paint backlit scenes. I love to look at other artist's paintings of backlit scenes. The way the branches are lit up and fairly glow is such a fun effect to try to reproduce. Strictly speaking this tree is side lit, but the effect is the same. The way I've found to paint this effect is to make sure that the area behind the subject dark and cool. That way the transparency of the tree and the light hitting it will be highlighted (no pun intended). This pool of water was deep and the rust color was deep and saturated. It was a spot loaded with paintings waiting to happen.

Thanks for checking in, Steve

10 comments:

hbedrosian said...

I used to live on Tanque Verde (lived in Tucson for over two years). This landscape is very inviting - I like how you captured the light and created the feeling of depth.

Pat Burns said...

Beautiful! I appreciate your sharing what drew you to the scene and the technique to get the effects.

Randy Saffle said...

Your technique is beautiful. Not one spot that you were not in total control of your brush.
Top-notch work!

Rusty Jones said...

What a gem? It amazes me sometimes how the simplest subject matter can become such great paintings. Great job. Tripped over to Texas Art Gallery yesterday to preview the auction. Your stuff is hanging in a good location. Good luck at auction.

Rusty

Teresa said...

Absolutely stunning!

Ann Rogers said...

Such a stunning painting, who would expect that in Arizona! If you haven't discovered one of my favorite "backlit" artist, look at Cheri Christensen - Oil Paintings in the Russian Impressionist Tradition.

Ann Rogers said...

Looks like my previous link to Cheri Christensen didn't post correctly, but you can google her site.

Jennifer McChristian said...

Gorgeous!!
I love back lit scenes too.
You handle them superbly.

Ifthikar Cader said...

Marvelous! I really enjoyed this painting, thank you.

Steve Atkinson said...

Thanks Everyone, I appreciate everyone taking the time to post your thoughts. You make my day!!!