Road Trip to Blue Ridge Dreamin

Road Trip

My husband, Tony and I were fortunate to have been able to take a wonderful road trip last spring. We drove all the way to Key Largo and back stopping to visit friends and see new places along the way. On our way back we drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains and made a stop to climb to the lookout tower at Clingman’s Dome. It was so beautiful! I was inspired by the gorgeous views and the hazy blue vistas of the mountains in the distance. After returning home and having a chance to review the photos I had taken I chose this view as one of my favorites and decided to have a go at re-creating that feel of the hazy expanse of wave after wave of mountain ridges fading into the distance.

The View

What I loved about this view was the juxtaposition of the evergreens and the stark dried grasses in the foreground set against the beautiful blue backdrop. I worked and re-worked the distant mountain ridges to get the feel of that haze I saw that beautiful day. The hike to the lookout tower at Clingman’s Dome was well worth the view. From there you are able to see the mountains of both North Carolina and Tennessee.

Technique used

Before beginning this painting I toned the entire canvas with Cadmium Orange to set a bright mid-tone to highlight the intense blue of the image. Most of my undertones were painted over in the sky and mountain areas but I left some fun and energetic orange in the foreground which I think further helps to ‘set off’ the power of the blues in the background.

This is a 30″ X 24″ X 1 1/2″ gallery wrapped canvas.

The rest of the story

If you would like to read the entire story about our road trip last spring. It’s available in 3 installments beginning here: https://turfsideup.com/key-largo-10-fun-day