Details and Finishing

I always find that the most difficult part of a painting is the details. How much do I add,  and where do I add to be most effective? If the pattern is good, the details should just enhance the pattern.

Here you can see the light, middle and dark pattern. I can easily add darker values and some lighter values by lifting. I mentioned lifting in my previous blog. Adding details to any of the areas of value should not change the shape or size of that area. 

If I add details in the dark areas, I want to keep them as a dark. And the same for the lights and middle values. If I don't do that then it will change that area and change the pattern.
If I find at this stage of the painting that the pattern could be improved, then I can make that adjustment by changing the pattern with details.

Most of the details were added to the center of interest with weeds, and fallen branches carried downstream. I added more dark values to the middle ground snow to give it more form, and finally adjusted some of the edges to the rocks and water in the foreground. As I mention in previous blogs, remember that you are finished when you are sure that there is nothing left to be adjusted. This painting is finished.