Here I have made the decision to make the foreground rocks a lot darker. This was quite a big deal for me. I will do this if I feel the composition is unbalanced. It’s always a risk, but sometimes has to be done. I will often change and move elements around.

More work on rocks and water. The foreground is  still light.

More colour and tone is being laid down. I’ve still got the rocks in the foreground as quite light at this stage.

Here’s the first stage of my little oil painting on daler board of the Church Pool Askham, on the river there. I’ve painted it over two daler boards, so the image will read over two surfaces when presented. I’m showing it as one image as the painting develops. Each daler board is A3 size. I’m laying down the underpainting colours to indicate the colours of stone and brackish water.

Here is the sketch I made on the spot at Church Pool Askham Cumbria England. I’m using it for the oil painting I’m making at the moment. I’ll share the stages when it’s complete. It’s a very special spot on the river where the brown trout rise. The cave on the opposite bank is dark and mysterious. I use pastels and pencils to stand and capture as much information as I can before I get too cold! I always get completely lost in the experience and time takes on a different quality. The water is deep and full of ochre and brown. The sun sparkled like diamonds on it’s surface. The piece I’m making at the moment is quite small. I may make a much larger piece from this. I’ll let you know!