The Biltmore Gardens

Asheville, North Carolina

Roger uses oils on a 20×30″ linen canvas and shows how to efficiently layout brushes, paints and palette. The composition is layed in using a brush and followed by blocking in the large shapes. The painting is left to dry before the details of the trellis and flowers are added. Sarah talks with the gardener about the Biltmore Estate’s four acre walled garden and the seasonal plantings that take place. Later she walks through the conservatory looking at orchids and tropical plants.

Mountain Lake – Part 1

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Setting up his easel on a dock by the lake, Roger captures the light and mood of the day. He focuses on how to simplify the subject yet still achieve convincing reflections in the water. Values of light and dark in the painting are adjusted to create the look and harmony of the piece. Sarah joins friends on a pontoon boat to explore the clear mountain lake.

Mountain Lake – Part 2

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Roger continues with the painting by adding distant reflections on the lake and refining the boat house with shadows and accent colors. Back in the studio, Roger puts finishing touches on the painting including some negative areas in the trees. Sarah visits Chimney Rock State Park to see incredible views of Lake Lure from 2200 feet.