Winter Prelude -Photo and Drawing

The brilliance of fallen leaves have brightened many landscapes these past few weeks. Not far behind now will be subdued white winter landscape.

I am not a plein-air painter, so I find my inspiration from photographic images. This particular photo depicts the subtle changes from colorful autumn to subtle winter.

Many compositions can be created from one image. To show the changing of the season in this image, I will enhance the color in the trees in the background. I like the curve of the road leading into the composition. The buildings on the right are  a bit overpowering to my basic concept for this particular painting.

The key to any landscape is the light coming from the sky. I will change that to a more clear day which will make for a brighter atmosphere with more contrast and color.

I always start with a lightly drawn preliminary drawing. The lines here are enhanced to better show the sketch. 

As the pigments mix and separate on the paper, I will make quick decisions on the color and value and the shapes that are formed, leaving them or changing them to suggest subject matter. 
​I will post the next step of this painting tomorrow.