Relative Relationships in Color

Interpreting Reality.

The painterly interpretation of a scene and experimentation in this, and the zillion choices in this, for me, this is what makes painting fun and fresh every time.

Here you see 3 different seascapes. Painted in the same week. In similar weather conditions.

- The first, a true interpretation, sticking to what I saw,
- The second, a darker sand area, darker overall.
- And the third, an opposition of the second: all light in this choice of color combinations (or palette).

There's reality, and our interpretations. Sure, following what you see it the best in the beginning of your outdoor painting journey. (Keeping things simpler/easier)
Making sure you can mix the colors that you see, and that you can get it on the canvas. That will keep you occupied enough. Gaining control here!
After you can experiment more. With all variables involved.

Here, the third 'light one' is a direct reaction on the 2nd.

The choice of your palette (your mixes for the bigger areas) you can stir in a direction. The choice and outcome can be very deliberate.

A light sky might need lighter sand. Yes, it's all in relationship, the color combinations. To have more control in this you could start with the sand and adjust the sky color to this. Test it out...

There are so many ways to portray reality, capturing color combinations. 
And there is no 1 right way, not even 1 best way. 
The outcomes are unique to the moment, choices, ideas, tests, experiments, and our disposition, weather, feelings, all play their part.
I do have to mention that my starting-point and end-goal is always the same: to capture the beauty that's there. I am not switching values up to create a fantasy scene, for example, the value relationships of all 3 paintings are somewhat the same. Because I don't have to invent: nature gives different 'sets' every day. (And every hour of course..)

My personal goal is realism, interpreted realism = impressionism. And in this, I render what I see, I pick and choose from this. I do make my 'job' more interesting by my experiments and tests. Often different approaches, or a different order in working, different starts, different underpainting colors, different tubes and different mixes, etcetera! Be free in this!

276. SSP06-2025 Seascape Lets Enjoy Summer 20x25 cm | 8x10" Oils/Panel | Roos Schuring 2025
These paintings are placed in my paintings shop here

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277. SSP07-2025 Seascape First Views Summer 20x29 cm | 8x11.5" Oils/Panel | Roos Schuring 2025
These paintings are placed in my paintings shop here

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278. SSP08-2025 Seascape Sunny Days 20x25 cm | 8x10" Oils/Panel | Roos Schuring 2025
These paintings are placed in my paintings shop here

close up

Interesting what our views will be in St. Pete..

counting down!