This painting was a blast to create! It is a large format (27x21 inch) pastel inspired by a hike at the Lillian Anderson Arboretum near Kalamazoo, Michigan.
I started this painting with a charcoal-based value study. The reference photo below, is of Batts Pond located at the southeast corner of the arboretum.
The pond was covered by blobs of algae and other debris, clouding the fall foliage reflections. I adjusted the composition a bit and varied the lighting impacts. Those pure colors of pastel helped to highlight the kaleidoscope feel of this vista.
The arboretum has a variety of natural areas: tall pines, wetlands, fields, and waterscapes like this. More paintings to come from this wonderful hike back in October!