While traveling along Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), we stopped in Field, Alberta to catch up with a train we were chasing to watch it circle through the Spiral Tunnel that is situated along the Continental Divide of Americas (the Kicking Horse Pass). When the train had moved on, so did we. As we continued to drive a couple kilometres down the road, cars were pulled over along the side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Curious minds pulled over to see what all the fuss was about and there she stood! This Momma with her Calf standing in a babbling brook of turquoise water. Absolutely breathtaking scenery so much so, it must be put onto canvas to forever capture the moment.
To enhance the reference photo, I decided to bring Momma Moose and Calf closer to the centre of the painting while still surrounded with background evergreens. Turquoise water to be added in separate process.
Rough sketch to acheive proper proportions
Blocking in Momma Moose and her calf using acrylic raw umber and yellow ochre.
Switching to oils, using a light coat of Ivory Black in the background then blocking in evergreens with Sap Green
First layer of background forest completed allowing time to dry to enhance the forest