Early Morning Stillness (Kiser Lake)

11 x 14 Oil on Linen Canvas Panel
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We arrived by 7:30 AM, on a week day; so the lake was very still. As the morning progressed, a few people began putting their kayaks in the water, and a few more fishermen joined us. We left by 10:00 AM, my painting finished, Dennis with a good size catch of bluegill, and even at that time, there were still very few people on the lake. All in all, this was a still and peaceful morning.

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I had purchased two new items to help make painting outdoors in oils a little easier, and I truly loved them! One was a new paper towel holder with a super clamp which enabled me to arrange the towel holder just where I needed it to be. The second item was a different way to handle my trash. When these towels become heavy with paint and medium, I need a quick way to throw them away. Below, you will see how much better this whole arrangement works! But, first, my painting process...

I found this lovely scene near the camp store/bait shop/parking lot. I always prefer to find some rocks on a shoreline to add interest to the still blue waters.

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Even by 7:30 AM, the temperature was already in the mid 70's and rising quickly, so I was pleased to find a nice area of shade to set up my painting gear. That shade lasted for the entire 2 hours of painting and I was SO thankful!

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The sky color always dictates the overall atmosphere, so I started there. After placing in the sky, I immediately repeated some of that color into the water area. The water always reflects the sky color. Then, I began putting in the background treeline and the reflections of that treeline.

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We are often treated to visitors at Kiser Lake and this fella was no exception. They are truly graceful when flying and equally entertaining when catching fish!

 

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After enjoying watching our visitor and his antics; I began blending the water from the top of the waterline to the bottom of the painting. Then, some ripples were added.

 

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Next, I began adding the shoreline. Rocks are fun! I use both a brush, and my palette knife to apply layers of paint. I begin with darker values (using a brush), then add the highlights (using the palette knife).

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After all that painting, my brush and my palette knife got messy often and I used a number of towels; but, I had my new amazing towel holder!

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To dispose of those dirty towels, I had purchased this car trash can. My easel is metal, so I also purchased small magnets with hooks for hanging up my new trash can. The nice thing about this set up is where it all is. Both are on my left side and totally out of my way, but immediately accessed if and when needed. 
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I hope you've gotten some good ideas for your next trip out to paint!

Donna