Here is another master painting study, a work by John Frederick Kensett titled Mountain Lake.

Kensett was a member of the second generation of the Hudson River School of artists. His work is associated with the American Art style of Luminism. I love this style of painting (along with Tonalism) and I look forward to painting more and applying what I am learning to my new pieces for 2017.

I chose this piece to study because of the dreamy, soft, atmosphere in the sky and the subtle reflections in the water. The foliage on the side of the mountain was something I had never tried to paint before, so that was quite a challenge. Whew.

This piece taught me a boat load about subtle tones and working with close values, especially in the gray family. My piece is definitely cooler than Kensett's, my darks have bluer tones vs. the browns of his piece. One thing I like about mine is the variation in warms and cools. I really tried to bring that out, even if it made a mismatch with the original. One thing I would change if I painted it again is the peak of the far mountain, I would move it over to the right a bit, and I guess I could still do that, but I have called this one done for now.

These studies are teaching me to take my time as I paint, not to worry about rushing through and finishing a piece. I have taken to sitting down and using much smaller brushes when I get to the detail work. Also, I can't finish these in one sitting, even though they are small (8 x10), it usually takes me a 2-3 days.

Here is my version of the painting.

Thanks for following along on my art journey, I am honored. Take good care, my friend. Merry Christmas to you if you will be celebrating this weekend. I wish you God's richest blessings for you and your family.

--Beth Cole

Art + Such Blog by Beth Cole

Painting With the Masters - John Frederick Kensett