Teahouse Spring
14.5″ x 10″ “Teahouse Spring” - watercolor on paper
I painted this today from a photo I took earlier in the year of Descanso Garden’s Japanese Teahouse in full springtime array. A few days later a sudden storm took away all the cherry blossoms. But it was glorious while it lasted.
My objectives here were to capture the feeling of early morning light on the subject (the teahouse and cherry tree) while conveying a sense of the background depth and distance. Even though these different structures are only about 100 feet apart (or less) I’ve radically lightened and softened the background trees to push them back.
In the real scene, there was a cement landing and more stones and water grasses in the foreground, many more trees, more manmade structures of benches, railings and additional shrubbery. But you won’t find them here. Because … they didn’t add anything to the composition, and I am trying to be ruthless to edit away the nonessential bits.
So this is painting #1 of the two I set a deadline for. Onto the other …
More Descanso paintings to come soon …
Lovely, Karen!
Oh, I love this!
Absolutely gorgeous…you really captured that fresh morning light. I can just smell the air!
Hmm Casey stole my comment..lovely job…the ground looks wet…EXCELLENT job
You completed your objectives in fine style. This is one of my favorites.
Jo
This is very nice Karen. I especially like the reflection in the water.
How fresh and inviting this painting is. Calm and restful. It would grace someone’s lounge room I am sure. w.
Karen, You’ve done a wonderful job of capturing the peaceful feeling the actual location evokes. I seem to be so fascinated lately with the way an artist captures water and glass. I’m so drawn to the reflective qualities. I love the way you captured the trees and the roof line in the water here. Well done!! Holly
OH wow, this is really nice. The blue really catches my eye.
clap clap clap clap… standing ovation
The early morning lightness is there. The entire scene is serene. Nice painting.
I think this is one of your best! It is absolutely my favorite - - a gorgeous composition of the scene and you’ve certainly captured the atmosphere of the teahouse and pond. I love how you’ve just got a hint of the pink blossom’s reflection in the pond.
This looks so cool and peaceful. I love the reflections, and the composition is simple and restful. Lovely job.
Karen, this is really lovely! The light on the stones is perfectly done, as is the reflection on the pond. What a great place to paint!
Wow, Karen. This is beautiful!