Blue Moonlight Seascape Oil Painting - almost finished

I have been working on my large 4 foot by 4 foot oil painting and have only small details left to finish. The scene is of the Black Hall River with the Lynde Light and the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse at the mouth of the Connecticut River. I take a few days to view a painting in different settings around my house. This is a good way to view your work with fresh eyes and make any adjustments to the painting. This small photo does not do the painting justice, this is a big painting. I hope I can fit the painting with the frame in my vehicle so I can put it on display at an art gallery. Contact me at pj@pjcookartist.com for further details on painting.
Thanks, PJ Cook

Painting A Blue Moonlight Scene In Oil Paint - First Step For a Successful Piece of Artwork

The first step for creating a successful piece of artwork is the concept and composition of the painting. I have decided on a large 48" x 48" canvas, so right away I am working within a square format. I have a scene where the sky is going to be my center of interest. I want to paint a dramatic moonlight sky with clouds. I have placed the horizon line low so the sky is the largest area in the painting. That will help set the stage for my area of interest.
Shown here in the photo is a value and line sketch painted on the canvas with a paintbrush thinned with turpentine. I used a burnt sienna color for this initial stage because I will be using that color throughout the painting. I paint this loosely, it will be used only for composition purposes. I am pleased with the composition and consider this a good start for my original concept of a dramatic moonlit sky along the shore.

Check back for the next step in "Painting A  Blue Moonlight Scene In Oil Paint - First Step For a Successful Piece of Artwork"
Thanks, PJ