Raspberry Leaves into Mystical Meadow

 In April of 2011, Bob began this painting inspired by a photo he found online.  He called it "Raspberry Leaves".  He worked on it for a few months on and off.  In March of 2012, he reached an impasse and didn't know where to go from there.  So, it sat for another 9 months.  I looked at it, nearly every day, seeking for inspiration.  I knew it had potential, but didn't quite know where to go.

Here is a collage of the original photo and the painting as of Feb. 14, 2013

Painting was begun in April of 2011

As of December, 2011

The upper right hand area was the most unfinished.  I knew that was the key to completing this painting.  I looked through hundreds of photos of trees to get inspiration.  I gathered a few photos and made overlays, clones and collages.  I did some clone work on the meadow.  I wanted to see a "trail" leading the viewer's eye into the background.

One of the first "Clones" January 29, 2013

Another "Clone" and overlay

Then, I found this photo taken at Snow Basin

Then, came up with this overlay, which gave a template for adding the mountains in the background.

Feb. 6, Bob added the mountains. I love them. But the background trees needed more work.  They were flat and lifeless.

 so I used this partial of the painting to create ...

Another clone...this time from trees in photos taken on the road up to  Mirror Lake.

Bob was able to transform his "blobs" into forms that resembled trees.  He did some more tweaking and now the painting is 98% done.  I really love how it turned out.  Just looking at it, you wouldn't guess how much time and effort went into it.  (Including my hours of research) 

 For me, It's like painting without the hassle of actual paint and clean up. 

This is a painting that you can get lost in  (or at least WANT to get lost in it).  I think it has a "magical" quality…slightly ethereal, mystical and unreal.  The leaves in the foreground are back-lit and just glow. They are iced slightly with a cool blue/white  frosting.  They are almost "otherworldly". 

 As you gaze into it, more elements emerge.  "Oh, I didn't see that before."  "Those mountains are amazing.  They just kind of melt into the clouds."  (Click on any one of the photos and a slide show will open with enlargements)

  If anyone is interested in their own piece of amazing art,  we can have high quality giclees made. 24 x 36.  They would be about $250.

February 14...98% done