It is a hot day outside, but you are in the cool of the redwood forest. Unattended picnic tables sit in the shade, though you’ve chosen a log to lean against in the clearing. Sunlight filters through the forest canopy, and acorn woodpeckers call far above where you can see.
Thus is the scene for this small gouache painting, which depicts the light filtering through and highlighting shrubs and branches against the shady tones of redwood trees. A wash of yellows and reds was laid down and allowed to dry, then composition “drawn” with quick strokes. Details, depth, and highlights were added over the course of an hour. Long Round Brush, size 8.