My first seascape.

​The  landscape of the west coast has been calling me for some time and we have now resettled on Vancouver Island. I have been exploring my new environment searching out motives for paintings and they are abundant. Exciting times! I thought that I would work through my process on my first attempt.  

​I really enjoyed standing by the land/sea interface at Port Renfrew observing the waves crashing into the rocks. Seemed like a good scene to capture. This is sketch number one. I like it but now I have to decide on canvas aspect ratio. Thought I'd try a square format.

​I decided that the exploding wave is the main element in the painting. I'll try a horizontal format as I think it will better suit my idea.

Yes, that will work. I chose a 24X40" canvas. I would like to do really huge paintings to express these big west coast ideas but until I get a handle on my new palette I will be cautious.

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​Block in. I want to contrast the rugged and immovable rock with the relentless but yielding surf. Positioning sits right with me.

​Starting to come to me.

​Here is where I am so far. There are some obvious design issues to work on. I soften most edges which is usually a good plan at this stage. Hard edges need to be placed in at the final stage. Otherwise I'll get a choppy two dimensional piece which is not what I am after. I want you to feel the power of the surf and a flat painting wont get us there. More to follow.