Sketch for Oil Painting of Watch Hill Sunset with Carousel

I am starting a new oil painting on canvas of a Watch Hill Rhode Island sunset with the famous carousel. This will be a large painting, the size is 40 inch by 40 inch. But this color sketch is just 6 inches, I wanted to work out the colors I will be using for the large canvas. I want to keep this a warm painting with yellows, oranges, and brown colors throughout the entire painting. I will be showing my progress here on my blog so check back for the next step of sketching on the big canvas. Thanks

http://pjcookartist.com/
http://beachcottageart.com/

Painting a Seascape Step by Step - Working On the Composition with a Sketch

I have started a new painting and this is the first step for a seascape painting in oil. My sketch is done in black and grey marker and I am working on the composition of the painting at this stage. As you can see this sketch is of two girls playing at the beach. So the background is water with sand in the front left corner. At the top is the orange floats that surround the swim area. I'm not sure yet if I will keep those in the painting, if they add to the painting then I will include them. So at this stage I am working out where I will place the focal point (the girls) and where the dark and lightest areas are in the painting.
Check back to see the next step in this seascape of kids playing at the beach. 

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