An oil painting based on a photograph I took while I was in Costa Rica, of a massive waterfall in the rainforest.
My sister and I went on this trip to Costa Rica in 2009 - and on this particular day we went with our tour group on a hike through the rainforest. Along the way we saw monkeys, geothermal vents, lots of really impressive vegetation, and this really cool waterfall. It was very muddy, and climbing over the rocks and large roots to make our way through the forest was a messy, fun, and memorable experience.
I like to create paintings that have some connection to my life, or my memories, and so this seemed like a perfect memory to commit to canvas.
The painting was done with oil paints on canvas, the size is 30"x40". I didn't keep very good track of the hours worked on it, but it was surely more than 100. This is a photograph of the painting, as it is too large to scan, and therefore the colors aren't as faithful as they could be, but such is the way of photographing artwork.
This is part of my long term project to create gallery-style works.
My sister and I went on this trip to Costa Rica in 2009 - and on this particular day we went with our tour group on a hike through the rainforest. Along the way we saw monkeys, geothermal vents, lots of really impressive vegetation, and this really cool waterfall. It was very muddy, and climbing over the rocks and large roots to make our way through the forest was a messy, fun, and memorable experience.
I like to create paintings that have some connection to my life, or my memories, and so this seemed like a perfect memory to commit to canvas.
The painting was done with oil paints on canvas, the size is 30"x40". I didn't keep very good track of the hours worked on it, but it was surely more than 100. This is a photograph of the painting, as it is too large to scan, and therefore the colors aren't as faithful as they could be, but such is the way of photographing artwork.
This is part of my long term project to create gallery-style works.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Scenery
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Any
Size 883 x 1200px
Fannnnntastic......
What style of oil did you use? Wet on dry? Dry on wet?
What style of oil did you use? Wet on dry? Dry on wet?
Wait, this says it's also a photograph...but this is a painting.
I worked in layers, so mostly it was wet on dry, except for the blending and detailing of what I was currently working on, which was wet on wet. But I pretty much did 3 full layers on the painting - the underpainting, the rough painting layer, and the fine detail layer.
Ugh...detailing wet on wet...mine would always blend together then the whole thing becomes screwed up. How can I make sure that the details STAY where they are needed....and the trees....dare I ask how you did those?
it is tricky! =). But thats why I wait for the layer to dry before adding more detail.
With the trees, I painted the trunks first, in the 2nd layer of the painting, and a good deal of the leaves that are in front of the waterfall, etc. in the final detail layer, so I didn't have to worry about painting around them. Luckily oils are rather opaque!
With the trees, I painted the trunks first, in the 2nd layer of the painting, and a good deal of the leaves that are in front of the waterfall, etc. in the final detail layer, so I didn't have to worry about painting around them. Luckily oils are rather opaque!
Hmmm, what solution did you use? Linseed oil? Turpenoid?
And I actually should have said painting the leaves
And I actually should have said painting the leaves
As a medium - linseed oil. For brush cleaner - turpenoid natural (way less smelly than turpenoid, and non toxic!).
The paint brands I used were varied - I have some Utrecht paints, some Gamblin paints and some Michael Hardings (my favorite - they are so smooth like soft butter)
Yep, that's how I did the leaves that are more in the distance. The leaves in the foreground I painted during all 3 layers.
The paint brands I used were varied - I have some Utrecht paints, some Gamblin paints and some Michael Hardings (my favorite - they are so smooth like soft butter)
Yep, that's how I did the leaves that are more in the distance. The leaves in the foreground I painted during all 3 layers.
Have you ever tried Winsor & Newton Artisan? They're water-soluble oils :3
I actually haven't tried the water-soluble oils yet - Although they've been recommended to me a number of times.
Have you used them? Maybe you could share with me your experience of how they handle vs. traditional oils?
Have you used them? Maybe you could share with me your experience of how they handle vs. traditional oils?
They're very gel-like, before diluted... I haven't worked a lot with oils, though. But if you compare them to acrylic, they're very sticky and thick. Not a lot to say about opacity, as there's also opaque acrylics. I think you could get yourself a test tube. They sell small ones for around €5, here, which isn't too expensive for a trial :3
These days, i'm more of an acrylic/aquarelle/gouache painter, rather than oils. I still have a few of them from when I did paint with oils
Isn't there an art materials review site of sorts? That could probably help you a lot better than I can :P (also, if you find one, I'd like a link to it, too)
These days, i'm more of an acrylic/aquarelle/gouache painter, rather than oils. I still have a few of them from when I did paint with oils
Isn't there an art materials review site of sorts? That could probably help you a lot better than I can :P (also, if you find one, I'd like a link to it, too)
I have used them. They behave very much like regular oils, though you can dilute them with water to the consistency of water color. The water-soluble oils are very versatile and (comparatively) easy to clean up after painting with. I used them primarily when I was out at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico in high school for an art trip so I can't really comment on how well the paints dry in a "normal" environment. The area is amazingly dry so everything dries out faster than usual (New Mexico air is usually dry, this was worse)...but that didn't cause any problems (no cracking or anything).
Have you ever tried oil sticks? Those are fun too but messy (get lots of linseed oil and lava soap). They are like giant oil pastels that you can blend with your fingers.
Have you ever tried oil sticks? Those are fun too but messy (get lots of linseed oil and lava soap). They are like giant oil pastels that you can blend with your fingers.
Awah! I thought it was a photo first Very well done ^^ Me like it
If you hadn't said that this was a painting I would have thought it a photograph. Absolutely stunning work! Wonderful! I've seen similar places in Costa Rica, though I did it on a tour, so we didn't get to stay long enough to appreciate it.
Woah... VERY nice work. Love the detail and lighting you've done for this. Amazing work.
Holy crap.. I think my brain just exploded from the sheer awesome level of detail that is in this picture.
Oh man, this is awesomeee. I really love how you rendered the leaves in the middleground (?) trees, and (of course!) the waterfall. Really nice work... looks like it was a wonderful place to visit. :D
Looks awesome! Definitely thought it was a photo from the thumbnail. Good job converting that to paint - i think it's got much more feeling and texture this way. :3
Thank you =D.
Its interesting to try to create something inbetween painterly and photorealistic... I like the idea of pieces that from 15 feet away look convincingly photorealistic - but up close all the brush strokes are obvious.
Its interesting to try to create something inbetween painterly and photorealistic... I like the idea of pieces that from 15 feet away look convincingly photorealistic - but up close all the brush strokes are obvious.
I like that too. The thing about super photo-realistic stuff that is unappealing to me is that well... you might as well actually just take a photo if you want it to be THAT realistic, down to the smallest details :P But a little in-between, as you said, imbues that realism with character. It has all the awesome parts of photorealism, but it also has more! Brush strokes and luscious texture. :3
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
I thought it was a photo, albeit a mite fuzzy, until I reached the leaves in the lower left corner. Absolutely stunning
I think I remember seeing some progress shots of this - I love seeing the different stages of your works :)
So thought this was like..an actual photo. My face was like :O! Very awesome.
This is very gorgeous. You hear this alot but you have amazing talent.
My word, Kacey.. the detail! this is an amazing piece!
Hmm, muddy fun? I kinda like that idea *blush*
Hmm, muddy fun? I kinda like that idea *blush*
this turned out amazing! also, the falls in the bg sorta form a face? it might just be me.
SHeesh, thats amazing work! I wish my oil painting work was as good. ^_^;
Absolutely beautiful! Parts in the foreground even look almost photorealistic!
Gorgeous! And the fact that it's conjured from memory makes it all the more enrapturing. :)
You know your art is very good...when people look at the thumbnail and think it's a photograph.
This is so beautiful and inspiring. It makes me want to try my hand at painting; Though, I just tried oil painting a few days ago and had a horrible product. :P If you ever found the time to snap a few WIP images of your paintings, I'm sure they'd be incredibly appreciated. It's mind boggling to me how you can go from a blank canvas to this. Really beautiful work. I hope to be this skilled one day <3
VERY nice! Relistic and sharp, even though I dislike oils (I find acrylics to be much better) this is a wonderfully done painting!
WOW! This painting looks so real. The brushstrokes are so smooth, that it shows on moss covered rocks, shimmering stream and everything in this image is very detailed!
This should be your Featured Art because it's a masterpiece!
Your one of the best artist I've ever known!
This should be your Featured Art because it's a masterpiece!
Your one of the best artist I've ever known!
truly spectacular. i am both glad to see that places like this still exist.. and that there are those with the passion and skill to create an image that does such a place justice,..
if this were to hang on the wall of anyone without any artistic appreciation,. it would be a waste of a good wall.. but the rest of us, will be looking for prints, should be so lucky to see Ms. Kaci Create a few.
if this were to hang on the wall of anyone without any artistic appreciation,. it would be a waste of a good wall.. but the rest of us, will be looking for prints, should be so lucky to see Ms. Kaci Create a few.
Thanks very much!... If there is any interest in prints I could print some on demand =).
this is so beautiful and impressive. i LOVE it and i love all the detail. so pretty... and such a pretty subject. looks like an awesome place to visit. you're lucky you got to go there!
Wonderful work as always... Your traditional skills surpass any artist that I'm watching. You have such a way of making an image so breathtaking. <3
I almost thought this was a photo.
To say I am impressed would be an understatement.
To say I am impressed would be an understatement.
bwu...That's a beautiful rendering of a beautiful place...your painting never stops being impressive.
When it takes two looks for me to realize this isn't a photograph, I can say you're doing a good job. Well done.
Just....wow. Incredible, lost for words. No idea how you do it, but keep it up <3
Does anyone else see the two open jawed skulls in the waterfall of this picture? >.>
this is probalbly the most realistic scene ive ever seen on FA very nicely done from a glance it looks like a photograph
Oh beautiful, for painted trees...
WOW! No matter how many times I see an artist do something like this, I'm still amazed!
I thought it was a photograph at first.
WOW! No matter how many times I see an artist do something like this, I'm still amazed!
I thought it was a photograph at first.
very beautiful but is it just me or does it look like a skull where the water is flowing slightly
I don't see the skulls mentioned. If I try, I can see ghosty-faces, but nothing that resembles a skull - maybe you could point it out somehow?
If you look at the two big parts from the top where the water divides it sorta makes the two eye sockets, also there is one that sorta looks like a skull or face above the left eye socket. just kinda neat to see something that you unintentionally made
everything about this is stunning and jawdropping, I really like how you did the water effects at the bottom makes it look so life like!
That's a big canvas! Very good job, I'm sorry that most people won't give this the attention it deserves.
Wow that is truly impressive. Even though the colors aren't 100% from the photo it looks spectacular. Nicely done!
Beautiful! I'd so love to see the Costa Rican rainforests in person. It must have been an amazing experience!
I know this has been said many times, but the thumbnail looked like a photo... except the contrast was rather low. Looking at the full picture, the contrast is better, but could still be cranked up some more. I copied it into Photoshop and used auto-levels, and it looks much better. I bet it looks amazing in real life.
This is disgustingly well-rendered.
I'm seeing some creepy faces in the background falls but I think that's just my weird imagination and not intentional on your part.
I'm seeing some creepy faces in the background falls but I think that's just my weird imagination and not intentional on your part.
Words...cannot properly express the utter beauty of this piece. I'm breathtaken...
Out of curiosity, if you were to sell the original, how much would you sell it for?
It's quite stunning.
It's quite stunning.
Normally my pieces of this size/medium I sell for $3000, but due to the time and complexity involved in this one, I'd ask $4000.
I'm not expecting to sell it right away, although if I received an offer I'd certainly consider it. My plan is to amass a number of paintings with which to approach a gallery for representation.
I'm not expecting to sell it right away, although if I received an offer I'd certainly consider it. My plan is to amass a number of paintings with which to approach a gallery for representation.
This reminds me of the pic you did with your and your wife's characters in a rainforest. It's one of my favorites.
An absolutely amazing painting as always, your landscapes are so amazingly photo-realistic!
it looks soo good at first when i looked at the thumbnail I thought ya had done a sort of shimmering spirit in the forest then I opened it and saw the waterfalls and couldn't stop grinning at the effect you have a very lovely style here
Oh my! That's just absolutely beautiful! Seriously...I can easily imagine such landscapes, but to actually see them like this...it's absolutely amazing! I wish I could do that stuff, but it'd look totally crappy. XD *huggles*
Oh WOW, that had to have been one gorgeous sight!
You did a great job portraying that beauty in this painting.
The foreground looks photo realistic, great job there.
The only issue I have is with the ripples on the bottom/right of the panting. I'm not sure if that's due to reflection or what, but seems just a tad odd with the waves running almost parallel with the stream direction.
You did a great job portraying that beauty in this painting.
The foreground looks photo realistic, great job there.
The only issue I have is with the ripples on the bottom/right of the panting. I'm not sure if that's due to reflection or what, but seems just a tad odd with the waves running almost parallel with the stream direction.
OWO!! This is gorgeous!! I can't even imagine how much time and patience this must have taken! It was well worth it though, this truly looks like a painting. Great job!
Forgive me for saying this about such a beautiful piece of work—I see Darth Vader in the waterfall!
>This is part of my long term project to create gallery-style works.
I don't think you'll have any problem making gallery-worthy works, if that's what you're implying. This deserves to be in one roughly... right now.
I don't think you'll have any problem making gallery-worthy works, if that's what you're implying. This deserves to be in one roughly... right now.
I'm jealous. I'm terrible with oils.. or actual paints in general... but I never had the patience for oils, but watercolors and acrylics can't give the same... depth of color that oils can. So I never really stuck with painting. I don't have to wait for pixels to dry. ^_^
Wow...just wow...seriously, when I saw the thumbnail, I thought it was someone's vacation photo or something. Than I saw your name and thought, "wait, this is an illustration?" Seriously, I am in awe at the level of detail and realism you can produce.
omgomgomg
Like many others here, I thought this was a photo
The fact you accomplished this with oils certainly says something
Like many others here, I thought this was a photo
The fact you accomplished this with oils certainly says something
I definitely thought that this was a photo, and I guess I was technically correct. :p I think that shows how skilled an artist you are, if you can create almost photorealistic paintings.
In first tme I could swear it's a photo.
Wow you did a great job on it
Wow you did a great job on it
This was at Rincon de la Vieja national park, in Guanacaste...
That's cool that you used to live there =D It was such a fun place to visit!
That's cool that you used to live there =D It was such a fun place to visit!
OH!!! I know that waterfall!!! its been years...thats why I didnt recognize it >.< it is a gorgeous country
oh my, this is beautiful! even if the colors doesnt look as in the real thing, it is amazing :D it kind of reminds me when i visited my fathers family on the other side of the country, honest, it looks a lot like this~ the water looks specially awesome! i ve seen many paitings that include water but you really make it look cool :D
-Mrs Steevenson, you've got a bug on your spine!
-Oh, thanks, can you get it off?
*GRRRRR*
-Erm.... no.
-Oh, thanks, can you get it off?
*GRRRRR*
-Erm.... no.
I am amazed by the leaves at the frist plan... they look soo real!
Wooooow! Amazing work!
The trees, the shadows, the moss on the rocks, the highlights in the water....
Such amazing detail. My eyes could wander around this for hours.
I can almost feel the glossy texture of those leaves, smell the mossy loam mixed with stream water, and hear the splashing trickle as it comes to the picture's edge!
The trees, the shadows, the moss on the rocks, the highlights in the water....
Such amazing detail. My eyes could wander around this for hours.
I can almost feel the glossy texture of those leaves, smell the mossy loam mixed with stream water, and hear the splashing trickle as it comes to the picture's edge!
Increadible work, as with all your pieces. Absolutely stunning!
There is literally nothing here I can critique on this piece of art. It is brilliantly done, to an extremely high standard. Very well done work, here. I applaud you for this beautiful art.. I'd happily part with an obscenely large amount of money for this, if I were fortunate enough to have any.
Amazing work. All I ever seem to get from oils is a muddy mess.
So this is a photo of a painting of a photo? I smell a Yo Dawg joke coming...
Its funny, I went to Costa Rica when I was in 5th grade (I am 25 now) and I still remember landscapes like this from my family's trip. The only thing missing though, is a very large venomous snake that is way too close for my mother's liking.
Absolutely stunning~
Looks so vibrant :D
and very realistic
stupendous skill! (especially from oils, omgosh!)
I would bet it would cost a bomb if you were to sell it
(I'm very interested as it's the most beautiful place/art I've ever seen, I think it would be out my price-range though)
Looks so vibrant :D
and very realistic
stupendous skill! (especially from oils, omgosh!)
I would bet it would cost a bomb if you were to sell it
(I'm very interested as it's the most beautiful place/art I've ever seen, I think it would be out my price-range though)
That's a painting?? You're messing with us. That's incredible!
The leaves are just amazing, it looks like a pic in the small view!!! Excellent!!!
Wow - the intense realism reminds me of the Hildebrant Brothers' work.
Wow nice work on this and usually i hate photorealism since if I wanted realism then I'll just look at a photograph hehe but its one of the best ways to show off ones elite talent in art
This is absolutely amazing. I can't even begin to comprehend the time, patience and above all, skill required to produce this... it's quite exquisite. Very, very well done!
Holy... I thought this was a photograph at first, but no it's ART! Painted art at that! Absolutely breathtaking!
*faves*
*saves*
*prints*
*frames*
*faves*
*saves*
*prints*
*frames*
Wow, this is incredible. I too, thought it was a photo when I saw it in micro-vision in my watchlist, but I finally clicked it today before clearing my watchlist so I could make sure I wasn't clearing out any images I wanted to fave, and boy am I glad I did.
This is some amazing work, and really showcases your talent. Definitely something I could see in an art gallery.
This is some amazing work, and really showcases your talent. Definitely something I could see in an art gallery.
I know you probably hear this a lot Kacey, but please, never stop painting, drawing or anything. Your talent is amazing.
Im seeing skulls in the waterfalls and water. Very nice illusion! Beautiful work :)
Had to read the description to realize it was a painting. That is just stunning.
Wow! Fantastic! This place really exists? I almost thought this WAS a photo. But even though it's not it's still alive and real in a different way. Excellent work. Thank you for showing us.
This is jaw droopingly beautiful. Superb foliage, and amazing highlights with the water. Looks so real!
Was in Costa Rica way back in 97 and I remember views like this. Thanks for bringing those memories a little bit closer to the present. :)
For a second I was trying to figure out if it was real or painted and could not tell which it was.
I'm always left stunned by your artwork and can't help but share it with others.
I always love your forest work. There's a sense of tranquil beauty in it :D
I remember seeing this half done in your living room. This really came out amazing!!!
Thank you =D! It took me a while, but I got it done =). I've got another one half finished in our living room now.
I can't wait to see it! Your oils are an inspiration. <3
ALSO- we should probably figure out when we can come and take all those markers off your hands. :)
ALSO- we should probably figure out when we can come and take all those markers off your hands. :)
Thanks!
And yes! The markers are in a box waiting for you =). If you let me know what times are good for you to come over, we can plan a time =D! (you can note me with that, or email kacey[at]otonashi.net )
And yes! The markers are in a box waiting for you =). If you let me know what times are good for you to come over, we can plan a time =D! (you can note me with that, or email kacey[at]otonashi.net )
As usual, your work is AMAZING, and this stands out above most of it. Flat out stunning. I can tell it took a lot of time and work to do. It's absolutely beautiful. :) Adding this one to my faves. :3
This is an amazing painting. Looks like the most relaxing place on earth. I could easily spend a week in a place like that.
*faints at this image*
This certainly belongs in an art gallery, darlin'! Abso-fabu-tastically awesome!
This certainly belongs in an art gallery, darlin'! Abso-fabu-tastically awesome!
Kacey......how......the helll........do you paint and draw so fuckin' well O.O amazing
Holy 'moley! As someone else said, this looks like a photograph from the thumbnail. By far, an absolutely amazing and stunning piece. For this and more i'd say you've you've got a watch from me.
This is really incredible - I feel so close to the falls that I can almost smell them. I'm stuck looking at it and kind of getting sucked in.
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