Finishing Up
I added detail to the water.
I painted in pebbles on the bottom of the riverbed. I made them take on the color of the water, different greens. It was a challenge making them kind of blend into the part of the river that starts reflecting the environment. This is what happens in real life or in photos of rivers. I suggested ripples and sparkles on the water for a sense of motion.
Aside from the water, I finished up the details on different things.
The pine trees have better shadows on their branches.
I added brighter leaves onto the trees in the foreground to suggest highlights.
I continued to correct edges, trying to refine the painting to its utmost.
My Thoughts on the Painting
This was a long one. Longer than I thought it would take, but I think worth it.
With gouache, I’ve brought Riverbend to the point I wanted. And I don’t think I would have been able to do it with watercolor. For me, gouache may be here to stay.
I might have a little bit to touch up on the painting from here, but for the most part, it’s done.
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