Painting of the Oneal Bridge and process explained

This is the second of three sites from the Shoals area in a series I entitle "Sites of the Shoals"  In this blog I want to share with you all my interest in the area I live.  The Shoals in an area of northwest Alabama where the Tennessee river flows through.  The River is the most dominate land feature of the area.  The Series I call Sites of the Shoals will show cast from an artist perspective on the man made structures in the area.  Oneal Bridge is named after Gov. Edward A. Oneal of Alabama whose family resided in Florence, Alabama  Oneal bridge was built back in 1939 and is also called the Tennessee River Bridge.  At one time before the late 1980's a walk way existed and ran right in the middle of the bridge. I believe that the good Lord has a special plan for the Shoals area that is being worked out from generation to generation to make a powerful impact in the world.  I am fortunate to be a native of this region.  I remember traveling home across the Oneal bridge with my first and later second born son.  It has an ultimate purpose like most bridges to connect two points of reference. It provides efficient access and safety for it's travelers.  

Here is an old photo of the Tennessee River Bridge being constructed back in the 1930's  

I draw this picture from a reference but altered the image of the bridge angle.  I made it in to a one point perspective design composition with the moon being it's center of emphasis.  I used a #2B graphite general's pencil drew in the detail of the features. 

Next I worked from the 5 values created from the thumbnail to produce a miniature blueprint painting study. This was done to see if what I had imagined from my mind was accurate or come close to reality. I used phthalocyannine blue,sky blue, grey, black and white master's touch acrylic paint.  Finally, I used these colors to mix into the 5 values you see for the water and sky. 

www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrfRMzKwKhCDUl6snWoljA

"Moonlight over Oneal Bridge" done in acrylic 16x20 stretched canvas by DWeaver Art © 2018

Available on www.fineartamerica.com and www.artpal.com

 Reference material source from www.bridgehunter.com www.timesdaily.com www.pinterest.com