I first begin by filling in the canvas with darker colors in a sketch of the reference. I really just want to fill in the canvas at this point, focusing more on darker clumps to build upon.
I then added in some more dark features of rocks and shadows.
I then added some background trees.
I then added in some lighter shades and started building in some of the rocks around the banks and in the water. That tree on the left must've been too large for my liking.. I built a really dark base on the bottom right that leads up the painting following the creek bed which contrasts nicely with the foggy horizon and forest floor.
I then worked on filling in the darker shades of the water and filling in the forest floor and trees. I really like the shades of turquoise and blue in the water, along with the layers of rocks leading up. The forest floor transitioned really nicely at this point, adding good depth and fullness.
I then add in the highlights of the water and filled in finer details and local colors of the scene.
And here's the final product.
