In the tradition of Plein Air painting, I decided it was time to step outside the studio to jump back into painting. For a long time, I have felt that my skills as an artist have developed consistently, but my understanding of those skills have not. The one area where I feel I still need great improvement is color, more specifically a grasp for how color acts in nature. So what better way to experience that then to go to nature.

Here is my first ever attempt at an oil painting outdoors. It’s nothing to get too excited about as a final piece, but it was an exhilarating experience. After posting up next to a river here in Bastrop, I had a plethora of ambient sounds to enjoy: the whispering of the water, the birds, spectators enjoying the scenery, and the raspy screams coming from the group of geese. They are very intimidating creatures when you get too close.

I believe Long (my new Plein Air buddy) and I were outside for about 3-4 hours. A slight misjudgment by both of us left us standing in almost triple digit heat, just a few steps away from the cooler shade offered by the numerous trees. I have already learned from this experience. I also know that I need smaller brushes! More to come.