The original drawing is done on site with a burnt umber and sienna oil paint on panel. My biggest concern here is composition - foreground, middle ground, and background. I thin the paint out so I can work quickly. Once I have the big shapes, I move on to the smaller ones. I remove paint for the lighter areas with a paper towel. Then when I feel I have a good base, I take snapshots which will help me fill in the gaps later. I must be careful not to be overly influenced by what the photographs say, and concentrate more on the discoveries that were made while drawing.
I scan the drawing into Photoshop and continue where I left off. At this stage I am only concerned with enhancing the values (light and shadow). The hierarchy of detail is also key in a landscape drawing. I add details where I feel I need it, and alter other elements as I see fit. It's really easy to kill the spirit by over rendering, and not having a central focus. Something to be wary of.
Working digitally allows for a care free working environment. I don't have to worry about messing up, because anything can be undone. So it keeps me loose, and maybe I'll be more inclined to try something new. I can print this out on paper or canvas and work over top with traditional medium, or experiment further with digital color. I am constantly learning.
I localize the color in a specific area to create interest. We have a tendency to look at things left to right (like reading) so I make my point of focus left of center. When your eyes drift to the right, I pull you back where the color/details are more intense.
I like leaving a little bit to the imagination of the viewer.
