This mini presented a good water challenge, considering all the little whirls and eddies in the foreground. Unfortunately they look a bit fuzzy in these pics, but I’ll try to get a better close-up of similar stroke work in another water scene.

A simple white wash and a light pencil sketch to start.

Washing in thin mid tones for the water.

Blocking in areas and landmarking the trees.

Starting on the trees, careful placement of leaves since these trees are sparse.

Building up the trees and detailing the branches.

Adding more rocks and small patches of colour to the water.

And even more rocks…

Adding stroke work to the water, creating ripples and movement.

Bouncing back and forth here, tweaking the lights and darks on the rocks and water.

The finished painting measuring 5.25 x 1.75 inches.