The other day I was browsing through a bunch of snapshots I took when I was up in Oregon for a week visiting a friend. We spent time on the coast and inland. This painting is from a picture I took as we were driving back to her house near Sisters, Oregon.
As you can see, in the distance are a number of snow-covered mountains. The are called the Three Sisters. I have a photograph I took from the car of this scene, and of the mountains. In the photo, the mountains blend into the blue of the sky, but when enlarged, you can easily see them. I kept the proportions of the photo but made the Three Sisters more visible. The photo is below, and clicking on it will take you to Flickr. Clicking on the Flickr picture until it is maxed out will make the distant mountains visible.
It’s interesting how the atmosphere just blends the mountains into the sky. On the drive, they were visible, but very faint.
I did not strive for accuracy in representing the Three Sisters. I just wanted to make sure they were there. I also changed the landscape to my liking in my painting, and does it work? Hmm. My focal point is a bit vague to me, but the red buildings below the treeline are hopefully getting you where you need to be.
Watercolor, BaoHong 100% cotton CP paper, 9×12.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I like the painting better than the photo, really nice colours and tones, and cool mountains.
Thanks, Fraggy. You cannot be picky about what you photograph out of 60mph traveling car! But, like you, I like the painting better than the photo. 🙂