These are from photos I took of Victoria area arbutus trees, mostly overhanging over the ocean or the Gorge Inlet. They are acrylic on paper, with transparent layers like watercolour, built up until they are rich and varied.
reference picture
How I begin a painting
REFERENCE PHOTO AT LOWEST TIDEiN THIS CASE, I DREW THE MINOR BRANCHES AND LEAVES. USUALLY, I WOULD PAINT IN GENERAL LEAF CLUSTERS AND REFINE THEM LATER. ON THE LEFT, YOU WILL SEE A MISTAKE COVERED OVER IN OPAQUE ACRYLIC PAINT, PARALLEL TO THE MAIN TRRUNK. USUALLY, THIS CAN BE DISGUISED WELL BY ADDING WHITE TO THE FUTURE LAYERS, TO COVER THE MISTAKE. HOWEVER, TRANSPARENCY IS LOST. IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO ALLOW THE LIGHT FROM THE PAPER OR CANVAS TO CREATE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS. WHEN WHITE IS USED, NO LIGHT CAN SHINE THROUGH THE PAPER.THIS SHOWS THE INITIAL WASHES ON THE TREE FORM, WITH SHADOWS LAID IN.
Art by Karen Guilbault 