TM8230 From the Dune 12x12 oil on panel

From the Dune, a morning glimpse over the edge of a dune looking to the sea, is a study in quiet color and soft light. It was the grazing light catching the top of the dune that caught my eye, and the challenge of painting dune grass and vegetation without getting caught up in too many details. All paintings are about finding a harmony of parts to make a whole. In this case, the gray, muted tones set the initial harmony, and everything else had to reinforce the quiet, subtle light. The grass could not be allowed to detract from the overall ambience – too much detail or contrast and the spell would be broken. So here is the result. Enjoy!