Daybreak, Dollardstown Wood
I was planning to paint this scene as a dull grey morning with loads of blue-grey mist. The sky was already painted to fit such a scene when I had a change of mind and decided to look forward to a more pleasant sunny time which, hopefully will be here soon.
This is why Cadmium Yellow arrived late on the palette. The original colours were Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna and Cobalt Blue. The combination of the yellows (Cadmium & Ochre) produce the most amazing range of ‘golden’ colours and it certainly has produced the brilliant light effect here.
Adding such a strong colour late into my painting process means backtracking to introduce this colour into as many places as possible to avoid alienating the particular shade of yellow. I would always try and have the entire range of colours in every part of the painting, particularly the sky. As it worked out it was good that this yellow was not in the sky mixes. This would have introduced too much warmth into the morning sky. As it is, in contrast to the rich hot colours created by the rising sun, the sky does seem to be cool.
Here is the painting process, see you soon.
PictureS 
I’m so VERY glad you added the light! I love it! Thanks, too, for explaining the process of adding it in later. Very helpful. = ) Question: are the trees you painted the type of trees you find in Ireland, or are they part of your imagination? I just wondered what kind of trees they are. I like them.
Thank you for the nice comment. The trees on the left are Beech, a native species. The 2 evergreens are Cyprus. These are normally slow growing, but in Ireland they grow very fast and in due course suffer from wind damage if in exposed areas. I had 3 in my garden, 50 feet tall and only 25 years old. The last one fell a few weeks ago – I’m still clearing up the mess. These 2 in the painting are sheltered in the wood but still have bits missing and look a bit ragged.
also, will you ever consider doing a real time video some time?
A real time video showing every brushstroke and colour mix would take about 3 hours. This is too long for YouTube and would cause me technical problems with file sizes etc. I would have to heavily edit the video to make it fit. I like to show every step with no fades between stages. Many beginners stop the video at various stages and follow the process in their own painting at their own pace. The video quality can be brought up to 720 HD for full screen display and hopefully, someday, be slowed down to normal speed in your browser.
Thank you for your replies!
You’re welcome.
I wish spring was here still have 3 feet of snow on our deck
Wish it felt like spring here we still have 3 feet of snow on our deck. lol
We’re not ‘out of the woods’ yet, weather wise. There could be a few more surprises in store 🙂
You really captured something in this one. Luscious details! The cabin, the fence, hints of dawn, light-dappled tips of weeds. You inspire me to write poetry.
Thank you. Any chance you would be inspired to try a painting? 🙂
The lighting effect is particularly lovely! Wonderful how sometimes the unintended leads to an interesting result.
Absolutely, and keeping a ‘sharp eye out’ for happy accidents. 🙂
Useful information and handsome painting as always Liam…the light is gorgeous and the feeling of wetness in the air tangible…
Thank you John, glad you liked.
I really love this one. You’ve captured something magical, mystical about the place and the time. It’s a place to cozy up with a mug and then head out to wander out to explore and play.
Thank you for the nice comment.