Snow on the River

16.5 x 16.5 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper

On Monday afternoon my niece, Agne, and I went for a walk on the canal. I was double lucky again. First- it began to snow lightly (our first snow) and second -I had my camera. Agne helped me crawl and slide down to the steep, slick river bank to take many pictures. I could easily see the painting in my head before leaving the river. While the photos have helped, the image was already there. That brings up another point. It's important to take the time to visualize your painting. Sometimes I can see my way through; see all the layers. So when on location, see it. Verbalize your emotion, experience, the favor of the light. Olympic athletes do it before they compete. We artists see our dream, the painting, before doing a thing.

This one is almost complete. Now is the time it sits and I look, no impulsive moves.