Jessica L. Bryant
Idaho, USA, St. Joe River Near Tumbledown Creek, watercolor, 14½ x 20" (36 x 50 cm)
Third Prize is a one-page editorial feature in American Art Collector magazine My Inspiration
The St. Joe River’s status as a designated Wild and Scenic River is testament to the phenomenal landscape. I love climbing down to this spot. In spring, the water can be pretty high, but into the summer and fall, exposed rocks provide places to perch. I can sit here for a long time, taking in the sound of the water, watching the meditative qualities of ever changing ripples and identifying the patterns of movement. Often in deep shadow, the dappling of light along this bend was particularly mesmerizing that day, and I saw the potential to build a good painting.
My Design Strategy
Capturing the personality of the Joe, as it’s known by locals, was my main priority. I always endeavor to faithfully convey a sense of place that feels authentic to the unique qualities of a landscape. This is a favorite area for fly fishers, so I know that if I get it right, they will know exactly what spot I’ve painted and will feel the sun and hear the water. For me, it’s akin to painting the portrait of a beloved friend. Accuracy is important, as are the emotional qualities of the subject. Composition and value structure are key.
My Working Process
Once my compositional structure was determined, I worked top down: sky, mountainside, distant riverbank, forest on the left, and the water. I paid careful attention to the value shapes in the water. To keep them organized in my mind, I lightly shaded in some of the darkest areas and blocked them in first with a neutral dark. The quality of dappled light was a priority for me, so I built my values and warm versus cool areas carefully, ensuring that everything contributed to supporting the feeling of that light. Lastly, I finalized my value structure, ensuring it supports the mood.