A sight to see

(C) 2017 Dale DiMauro

In the community, Brattleboro, Vermont where I live, there has been a major bridge project going on for years. Millions have been spent to replace this Interstate-91 bridge over the Connecticut River. Before they were about to open the north-bound passage which I have been told is in use, the town provided bus tours for those interested, on a wind blown weekend day. This photograph was taken from this new bridge which may be as high as one hundred feet above the water which provides dramatic views of the river valley.

If I use photographs as a reference or for inspiration I often experiment with ways to crop the image to strengthen the composition and simplify the overall layout. As you can see I use scrap paper or notepads or anything else I can find to crop the orientation and features which I find compelling. After having walked the expansive bridge which I was told was intended to be maintenance-free, I was taken by the local color of the distant hills and reddish color of deciduous undergrowth in and along the river.

I am certain this may be an odd post for some readers but I find cropping an image or making thumbnail-sized sketches invaluable in developing ideas which may ultimately lead to a well composed painting.