Lake Tahoe from Zephyr #1
You know the color of Lake Tahoe is just unbelievable. Even after going there to paint for over 7 years, I am still always amazed at the color of the water. My challenge this year, actually the first time I’ve ever painted the lake, was to try and come up with something that was not a cliche. Because its so beautiful, almost everything you see is picture postcard gorgeous and that doesn’t work in painting…at least not for me. I am not sure I achieved my goal, but here are some of my attempts.
Lake Tahoe from Zephyr #2
These are oils, painted outside. It was a challenge with my limited palette, but in a burst of enlightenment, I bought a small tube of Phthalo Turquoise just before I left town. My usual palette is Ultramarine Blue, Hansa Yellow, Quinacridone Magenta and Titanium White…that’s it. This palette has served me well for many years both in watercolor (less the white and a different yellow) , acrylics and oil. More Tahoe paintings on tomorrow’s post.
