Sometimes I don't know why I do the things I do. I know why I wanted to paint plein air (outside). It was morning (although a dreary, overcast morning), I had the day off, it was warm enough, and I was awake enough. All I had to do was bring my supplies to my front yard to paint this But....why did I challenge myself with: 1) a surface I am not used to (multimedia artboard); 2) a larger size than I am used to; 3) a painting medium I haven't used in years (glazing medium, which as you can see, makes my opaque paints semi-transparent). I also used a large brush, and this piece was painted very quickly! It probably would make more sense for an artist to make one change at a time, but that's me....
I am aware that the result is not a masterpiece, and I can see things I would change, but my response to this piece is I am excited for the start of the plein air season! I think if I keep this up this year, I will get better at it. I have painted and drawn this view many times over the years, and I can see in this piece the benefit of all the OTHER painting practice I have had over the past year and a half. For someone who knows this view well (me), I feel the painting gives a sense of what it felt to be out there on this grey day. So for that, and for the mere fact that I got out and painted, I am grateful.
Coincidentally, I got a message that my blogger friend Cathy Engberg also went out plein air today. I look forward to seeing what she came up with. She said it was sunny where she is. It's sunny here now, too. Oh well....
13 comments:
haha! Well, you called me out! I did go out today. It was a beautiful sunny day here. One of the first. But I'm afraid as much as I want to be... I am not a plein air painter. I keep trying. I will post my painting tomorrow. Like you I used different brushes and surface than my normal. Its all so different than studio work. This is something I need to do more often if want to get better.
But your painting really is pretty wonderful! Love the layers of mountains. What a pretty place you must live in. I think it was good we were both out there today.
Oooops, I thought about it afterward, "What if Cathy doesn't want to post what she did, and here I am saying she was out there painting?" I think I just automaticaly expect great things from you, Cathy! I'm happy to hear that you will post it, and I look forward to seeing it. Wow, that's so coincidental that you used different surface and brushes than your norm, too. Maybe we can encourage each other to work at it this summer. Thanks for what you said about my painting. And yes, I agree that I live in a pretty area. However, I definitely find everything I can see from my own yard "compositionally challenging," but this morning, I really both wanted to paint outside and to be HOME! Next time, I will venture a little further.
I think you did great. Good for you stepping out of your comfort zone. I paint plein air some but the older I get the more picky about get about it being warm and dry etc. etc. I bought a new 2" brush for Patti's workshop in June, I should practice with it. Keep going!
Gary and I both like it! It's loose and colors are really nice.
I love this Meredith. I think it is wonderful that you tried all those different things at once. Hopefully I can also do more plein air painting this year. When it gets so hot and humid, I become a hot house plant. Make an A/C house plant.
Thanks, Barbara. It does seem the older we get, the more we want our comforts. No Heli-painting for me! (have you heard about the trips Robert Genn and Liz Wiltzen take people on?). I do appreciate your encouragement, Barbara and look forward to hearing about your workshop with Patti.
Thank you, Mary, to you and Gary. A compliment from you always means a lot to me.
And thanks so much, Sharon. I look forward to seeing more of your plein air this year, what fun that we both want to. I want to let everyone here know that Sharon recently painted outside on a city/town street, in public, I think near her gallery. Talk about courage!
What a marvelous little painting... it has a glow even if it was a dull day... wonderful idea for a series: painting at various times and seasons.. also sketches etc...
What an absolutely wonderful view... all I have is the ugly wall to my neighbors' house!!!!
Thanks, Carol, I am glad you like it. I'll bet if the light was hitting your neighbors wall at just the right time, you of all people could make something fascinating out of it, and I am not kidding!
Forgot to check here for a few days and look what happened! I remember this view and nice that you captured it so beautifully. How's Jane Doe?
Love,
ME
Yay -- a new painting! I like it. "Impressionistic-ish" :)
Stefanie
Thanks, Mom and Stef. I'm glad you're still watching! Mom, I meant to update about Jane Doe in this post and forgot. I'll put an update next time. But talk with you soon!!
I love the rich intense colors in this painting. Bravo!!
Thanks, Karla!
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