The Beauty of Fall is Coming

Sep 24, 2022

Maybe not quick enough for some, but the beauty of Fall is coming. The colors have already been showing up on my palette. While waiting for my blues to dry, I have begun some studies full of fall colors. I am eager to show them to you.

But first, let me update you on Big Blue. I made some major revisions this week. There were some discordant notes, and changing those made a world of difference. Here are a few hints as to what has taken place. I do hesitate – sometimes too long – to take out a passage, but I usually follow my instincts.

Moved trees further back into the middle ground
400
Redirection on the foreground to show more flow to the water

Once it was decided, the changes were easy to make. Glad I like them, because I don’t have an undo button! It immediately felt like a better painting.

SO….while the changes are drying, I decided to work on some more cloud studies. This time, I am using one image and three different ways to paint it.

Helios Study #1, oil on canvas, 6×12
The background was painted a burnt orange before beginning.
Helios Study #2, oil on canvas, 6×12
On this one, I first painted the canvas black.
Here is a photo of the block-in stage.
Helios Study #3, oil, panel with copper leaf. This study was painted on a panel prepared with copper leaf.

They all had their advantages, but the copper leaf just glows! Remember the painting of the luna moth? Same surface. It is tricky, because it is so shiny and so slick. The results are worth it. Loving this look.

Thanks for dropping by to see this week’s paintings. I hope you enjoyed them.

Michel

P.S. What do you think would look good painted on a warm, metal leaf surface? Please leave your suggestions below or message me.

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13 Comments

  1. Virginia on September 25, 2022 at 9:00 am

    WONDERFUL!
    Try the metal leaf…. do a study and see how it goes? Anxious to see it !

    I so look forward to your email on Sunday!

    V



    • Michel McNinch on September 25, 2022 at 9:03 am

      The third sunset is on copper metal leaf. It is so hard to see in a single photo. I think I will make a video to visually explain a little better. Thank you so much! I was a little late today, because I accidentally set it for 8:30 PM. Every little thing …… ugh~



    • Alice on September 25, 2022 at 11:25 am

      I can’t wait to see all of the amended Big Blue! On warm metal leaf, how about autumn trees?



      • Michel on September 25, 2022 at 4:04 pm

        Me too, Alice! I am getting so close! Autumn trees sounds great! I am going to plan on that one. I have some good references from where I used to live. : ) YaY! Thank you.



  2. Tina (sister 🥰) on September 25, 2022 at 9:07 am

    Oh Michel these are all so cool!! I love seeing how you do this. What about a waterfall on the copper leaf? Changing fall colors yet the shine of the water could “flow” through! Just the 1st thing that came to my mind, being Fall and all!! 🍁🍁🍁



    • Michel McNinch on September 25, 2022 at 9:11 am

      That’s a great idea! Love it. Could do a waterfall on silver leaf. On the list!



      • Tina on September 25, 2022 at 9:31 am

        Oh boy I can’t wait to see that!!



    • Pam on September 25, 2022 at 9:47 am

      The copper leaf is stunning! Hope I get a chance to see it Tuesday. Might make an interesting addition to my collection! That would give me one on silver, one on gold and one on copper leaf!!!!! How big is it?



      • Michel McNinch on September 25, 2022 at 9:57 am

        Good morning, Pam. You will love it! : ). It is only 6×12, but it packs a visual punch. Really proud of this one. I’ll bring it Tuesday so you can take a look. Thanks for your interest.



  3. Roxanne on September 25, 2022 at 10:17 am

    beautiful and vibrant!



    • Michel McNinch on September 25, 2022 at 10:17 am

      Thank you so much!



  4. Robert McNinch on September 25, 2022 at 10:54 am

    I love the glow behind the clouds. Beautiful as always.



  5. Jeannie Irvin on September 27, 2022 at 5:35 pm

    Love the process,love the paintings 🖼!!!!!The colors are GORGEOUS Michel!



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