Golden Path: A Backlit Forest Dream in Pastel
Create a magical backlit forest scene in pastel
Course Summary
This pastel piece takes you right into the heart of a quiet forest where the light is just perfect. You know that golden glow that sneaks through the trees, lighting up the path and making everything feel a little magical? I played with cool blues and purples in the shadows to balance out that warm, golden light. The soft, hazy trees in the background give it that depth and “walk right in” feeling, while the pops of texture and color in the foreground keep it grounded and real. This piece is all about the simple beauty of nature: light, shadow, and the feeling of stepping away from it all to just breathe.
Takeaways and Lessons Learned:
Backlighting is magic:
When the light filters through the trees like this, it creates a glow that pulls everything together.
Cool shadows, warm light:
Playing with blues and purples in the shadows makes the sunlight feel even brighter and warmer.
Suggestion over perfection: The trees and plants don’t need every detail—sometimes a little texture and color hint at more than enough.
It’s all about the feeling:
At the end of the day, I just wanted to capture that peaceful, dreamy moment when the light hits just right.
Discussion Points:
-What do you notice first?: Is it the golden path, the glowing light, or maybe the cool shadows? What draws your eye?
-The magic of suggestion: How much detail is just enough? When does a little texture tell more of the story than overworking it? -The feeling of light: How does backlighting change the mood of a landscape? Does it feel more dramatic or peaceful to you?
-Stepping into the scene: Can you imagine yourself walking down that path? Where does it lead? (I like to think it’s someplace quiet and special.)
Course Curriculum
Andrea Gianchiglia
