Desert Lake Pond Lily I Progress

I had been commissioned to paint some pond lilies for a client in France. She had taken beautiful photographs of the white water lilies from her husband’s childhood cottage on Dessert Lake in Ontario, Canada and wanted to present the paintings to him as a surprise Christmas gift. They’re celebrating a little early so I can go ahead and post the images.

Here are photos from different stages of the painting of Desert Lake Pond Lily I, including several easy methods to check the progress of a work:

Desert Lake Pond Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012 photo


I crop photos with bits of paper and tape which allows me to adjust the window easily.

Desert Lake Pond Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012


I loosely “draw” in the composition using paint.

Desert Lake Pond Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012


I paint dark to light.

Desert Lake Pond Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012


Sometimes I check for problems by peeking in a mirror. Like a fresh set of eyes!

Desert Lake Pond Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012


Working the painting upside down can also give me a fresh perspective.

Desert Lake Lily I in progress Marie Cameron 2012


For depth I like to have lots of color in the underpainting.

Marie Cameron Desert Lake Pond Lily I 2012 oil on canvas 6x6


My finished 6″ x 6″ oil on canvas painting of Desert Lake Pond Lily I.