The Pacific Northwest – Oregon, Washington – has some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines. I could easily spend a summer just exploring them. The rock formations, deep beaches, wildness all hold such an appeal. Any rugged coastline fascinates me, and perhaps someday I will get to spend weeks in Maine, Nova Scotia, and other places of such beauty.
Today, I decided to revisit Oregon from a trip awhile ago. Sea stacks run out into the Pacific, some merely rocks, other crowned with pine trees. Take a look at the two paintings below – the same, but with a bit of variation.
This is the painting as it now stands – but what do you think of the one below?
They don’t vary a great deal – and I am not going to tell you what I did – but if you have some thoughts as to which you like, and why, let me know.
Meanwhile, painting this, I worked really hard to create a sense of depth. The photo I used was an overcast and rather murky day. The distant sea stacks were not much different in value than the nearer ones; the coast itself was a bit brighter. Overall, the light was flat here and twas a bit hard to conceptualize it altogether. I am fairly pleased with it, but as with any painting, I see areas for improvement, some I like, some I think are great, etc. Anyone who paints knows this!
Watercolor, CP 140# paper, about 10×12.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I think the top one showing a bit more shoreline, lightens the image and I like it better.
I like the top one best, the sky and sea colours look slightly lighter and more natural colour. Though there’s not a heap of differences.
The top one is the original – and untouched. I used LR to see what a darker see might do – and like you, I prefer the upper one. Thanks for your 2 cents (or pence?), Fraggy!
The top one is the original, Anne, and left as it was painted. I used LR for the “darker” effect. Like you and Fraggle, the upper one is prefered!!