Bridge Paintings

Greetings! We have had yet another taste of winter here,several new inches of snow. This winter reminds me of the old fashioned ones from years ago! Have been getting out to paint on the nicer days and have been concentrating on the bridges that span Minnehaha Creek which is at the end of the block I live on. I cant really explain why I started painting them but find them interesting and good subject matter. Plus they are so close and easy to get to with out a long walk... I am finding that if one dresses for the weather it is really a lot of fun to paint snow. It is a interesting subject to paint as the light plays subtle effects on the snow.
   It requires a lot of white paint although I never ever use it out of the tube always mixing it with warms and cools.  I have gone through 4 large tubes of white and am waiting for my new batch to arrive. I am trying out Lefranc white as I understand it is very white and is also easy to manage in cold weather. I have also started to include some cobalts in my pallete, Violet and Turquoise which add soft but very pleasing color to snow.

  When painting a bridge I want it to be the focal point but not overpower the painting. I  like to lead you to the bridge with a lot of foreground and keep the bridge in the background.  The object of this is to give you the impression of being out on a walk and seeing the bridge in the background and deciding whether or not to cross or turn around. When painting in the winter it is possible to get at the water level if you know the current flow beneath the ice. It is Not advisable to wander out on any creek without knowing this beforehand!! A long walk back to your car with a wet leg is not on the list of fun things you want to experience!