Watercolor Painting of Duck Creek

I did this little 8 x 12 painting last Friday just before leaving for a quick trip to northern Utah. The subject is a pastoral fishing lake on Cedar Mountain called "Duck Creek."

I used the painting as an example in a two-day workshop I'm teaching right now. I used my usual approach, beginning with a rough sketch, then working on 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper. I began with a simple sky with just enough interest to set the mood, but not overpower the foreground. Then I began simple washes on the background Aspens and the water.

I chose to darken the foreground in shadow to contrast with the glowing Aspens. The dark green Spruces helped to set off the golden leaves as well.

Click here for purchasing information on this painting of Duck Creek