Waves of Amber and Indigo

Lake Texoma Shores in my Art Sketchbook Journal

Waves of Amber and Indigo is an 11.7 by 16.5-inch watercolor painting that captures a tranquil lakeside scene at sunset. The composition centers on a horizon where a dense green tree line stretches horizontally, grounding the image between sky and water. Above, the sky unfolds in warm gradients of yellow, orange, and purple, blending softly to suggest the fading light of day. The water in the foreground presents varied shades of blue, rendered with deliberate brushstrokes that evoke gentle movement, as if small waves ripple across the surface.

Two birds in mid-flight and a handful of ducks floating on the water introduce subtle signs of life, enhancing the painting’s quiet natural atmosphere without disrupting its calm. These elements contribute a sense of rhythm and balance, supporting the overall feeling of ease and stillness.

This work draws direct inspiration from sunsets observed at Lake Texoma. Rather than depicting a specific view, I sought to capture the sensory experience of being on the lake at dusk—the interplay between shifting light and the steady motion of water. The painting reflects an intention to convey contrasting tempos: the water’s dynamic energy and the sky’s more measured, gradual transformation as daylight recedes.

The process involved focusing on expressive brushwork to suggest movement and presence without strict realism. By layering transparent watercolor washes, I emphasized the luminous quality of the sunset while maintaining clarity and depth throughout the scene. This approach aimed to communicate both the physical environment and the emotional moods it evokes—the relaxation found in quiet outdoor moments, framed by natural light and atmosphere.

Waves of Amber and Indigo stands apart in my collection for its exploration of natural forces in dialogue—the convergence of light, water, and life expressed through controlled yet fluid gestures. It represents a meditation on the lake’s changing colors and motions, an invitation to experience a fleeting moment of tranquility shaped by observation and feeling.

I'm placing an emphasis on working in my Art Sketchbook Journal to explore texture, form, and technique while I contemplate a new series for my online portfolio at

Https://practicingart.latchet.com

I'm also exploring applying my art to outerwear and will write a out that in future.

Gratefully yours

Ruth Elizabeth Nuckols Cox Williamson