Changing the light to strengthen the focal point.

       Time for a landscape. Numerous times over the years I've heard artists say, 'Don't change the light or you'll be in trouble!' There was a time I'd never attempt changing the path or intensity of light for fear of screwing up and thus wasting paint and heaven forbid, a canvas! I'm feeling more reckless and courageous these days because I realize with no risks comes no growth!
A fellow Federation Artist Perry Haddock posted this photo and a few artists took the challenge to paint from the same photo. It's been interesting to see the different styles and translations come forth. Here is the photo posted, my thumbnail and drawing on  canvas with Raw Umber mixed with 50/50 walnut oil + gamsol.

     For the thumbnail I did lots of thinking and a little scratching on paper. I'm excited at this point about this painting. The thumbnail is crucial for me as it makes me test the waters to see if the passion will arise to carry on. I highly recommend doing thumbnails.
I have some idea where I want to go with this painting. The focal point for me is the area around the yellow trees in the distance. I feel the foreground grass competes with the distant yellow trees in value and colour. One of the ways I plan on fixing this is toning down the grass area forcing the eye up to the top of the painting. At this point it's easier said than done! So now that I'm committed to share the progress of this piece with you, I will have to figure it out!