Day 25 - "30 Paintings in 30 Days"

stage 1 - block in with NuPastels and the start of a wash

stage 2 - working on the sky and focal point

stage 3 - working all over the compostition

"The Swimming Hole", pastel, 18x24, $1500. framed

This is my large painting for the week, fitting it in between the 30 day challenge paintings.
I painted here last summer in Elk Rapids where the river empties into Lake Michigan, hence the sandy banks. Children were splashing in the shallow waters and enjoying the nearby public beach.
I was inspired by the sweep of the sand banks and the nice contrast of the light tree against the distant shoreline. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow.