THE STAND OFF
Around Christmas I went for a walk-on a rainy day. The rain wasn’t a heavy or even moderate rain at the beginning. The moisture was light. While walking I saw a landscape scene that immediately triggered an inspiration for a painting. The image wasn’t nothing spectacular as the photo here shows, but I saw potential as I snapped the photo. At the time of the photo the rain was increasing.
Rainy day photo
I quickly decided some deer would be the subject matter as I rapidly sketched the photo image onto a gesso-treated panel. I wasn’t concerned with a hundred percent copy of the photo as the pencil put into place some things. The trees and very rough drawing of deer is shown below. I began “slapping on” paint at this stage, too.
Early sketch and slap-on paint
I knew the painting would evolve as they always do for me. I very seldom do a replica of a photo in fact most paintings are creations from deep in the back of my brain area….yes, way back there! In other words they are made up!
I included some stages on social media as many have told me how they enjoy watching the progress of a painting.
You’ll see readily how this painting changed from the original photo and sketch. I included some Aspen trees and changed the sky dramatically from the gray rain clouds. Notice I altered the tree on the right some. Eventually, I added a second doe. I hope you enjoyed this series of photos showing some stages with this painting.
Detailing well on the way
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
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