"Above Big Sur" 

A step by step from study to studio painting

 

Step 4

 

From step 3 to 4 I start building up details in the foreground 

little by little.  Again, the backgroud is still virtually untouched 

and the middle ground is slightly detailed.  Besides actual

details added by the brush,  color plays a huge part in creating

depth,  or what I like to say atmospheric perspective.  Remember

Not all distant values become bluer in the distance that's why 

it's so important to paint on location.  Accuracy of color and 

value comes with experience painting outdoors from life!