Focus on composition. I’m pursuing my project of depicting the natural area surrounding the village of Saorge. It is my desire that the paintings be true to life and true to my experience but in addition have a pictorial presence and compositional complexity that link them to the long tradition of landscape painting.Â
During my walks I’ve been searching for views to depict. I've been sketching when possible and taking photos during different weather and light conditions. A few of these compositions have now been blocked out on panel and canvas. The weather has been changing almost daily, from clear and sunny to rain, snow, and fog. Cloud patterns can can be very beautiful in the mountain; however, I find that the light and colors aren't as interesting on overcast days.  I still prefer to do paintings with direct or partial sun, especially at dawn and dusk, because it allows for more contrast and play between light and shadow.
Below some sketches on paper and preliminary lay-outs of a few compositions on panel and canvas.
Sketch of a tree-lined ridge with a distant mountain and a passing cloud. December 5, 2022.
Oil on paper, 20x20 cm
Sketch of trees on a meadow with mountains in the back ground. The golden light of the sun comes trough below grey clouds. Frost on grass and branches. December 6, 2022.
Oil on Paper, 20x20 cm
Work in Progress: Yellow tree on a meadow with frost and distant mountains. First initial layout, base coat. Oil painting on wood panel. December 5, 2022
25,5x25,5 cm
Work in Progress: Trees in the valley, distant mountains, and a sunset with clouds. First initial layout, base coat. Oil painting on wood panel. December 5, 2022
25,5x25,5 cm
Work in Progress: A view of La Vallée du Caîros from a terrace high above Saorge at sunset, tall pine to the left and golden terraces to the right.
Composition in place. Working on light, shadow, chroma (color intensity) and details. To be continued.
December 8-13, 2022.
Oil on canvas, 50x50 cm