Royal Dornoch is magic. Plain and simple. And so I was more than looking forward to painting “17th hole at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.”
I captured this reference photo on one of our trips to the course last year. Capturing this hole was challenging in the best way possible. Every trip, it was on my list to photograph, to see if we could capture it perfectly. After capturing it in golden sunrise and dramatic sunsets, we went with this afternoon perspective that captures the vibrancy of the green while draping it in soft, creeping shadows.
Back in the studio, we decided to go with a 24″ x 48″ canvas. I started with a color study.
Next, I transferred the sketch to a larger canvas in charcoal.
After the sketch came the imprimatura, the orange tone layer.
After the sketch and imprimatura were complete, I started the layers! I usually like to begin with the top of the canvas and work down, and so I started with the sky, followed by the skyline.
And then the greens started! Layer by layer, I developed the greens and surrounding textures and colors.
My favorite final touch is the flag, as no golf course painting is complete without it!
This painting was such a fun challenge, from capturing the perfect reference photo over a few trips to Scotland, to working with a different canvas size dimension, I’m so happy with how it turned out!
The original painting sold before I had a chance to post it or list it, but that’s not a problem I’ll complain about any time soon. I’m so lucky to be able to work with collectors that are just as passionate about these courses as I am.
While the original does belong to a private collection, I’m thrilled to announce the print is now available at the Royal Dornoch Pro Shop (in person) and online in my print shop here.
Want to create a Royal Dornoch Golf Club gallery? Check out my other Royal Dornoch pieces below. Thanks for following along!