Autumn Colors of the Apricot Tree - Painting

I love color

and good food

And the  best way to spend an afternoon is with a

 + some paints

Source

 AND an empty canvas!

My source of inspiration for the painting was a calendar photograph portraying the natural beauty of lower Swat. And as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to paint this wonderful autumn landscape in a symphony of greens, yellows and oranges.

I started off with a quick sketch -jotting the main features of the composition. Then outlined the main parts of the painting with a wash of Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow + Crimson.

Next, I painted glimpses of sky between the branches and leaves and painted the rocks in the foreground.

I continued with the under painting..

slowly building up the foliage and painting the trees and branches.  I decided to use strong acrylic colors to help convey a riot of autumnal color.

Next came highlights and shadows.

And finally more detail in the foreground - the fallen leaves.

Here's my finished piece (and some close ups)!

xx