Posts Tagged ‘Plein Air’

Horse Scene Without the Horses

On September 21, 2009   /   Blog   /   46 Comments
Field Behind Lowes, Bastrop
9″ x 12″ oil on canvas board
Here is my second attempt at a Plein Air painting. The forecast for this day called for rain. There was little rain but plenty of clouds. Long and I drove around awhile trying to find a new spot when he suggested we take a side route next to the Lowes. We were surprised to find such a pastoral scene. There were dozens of horses hanging out near us. Though the horses did not have the patience to stay around long enough for us to include them, we were pleased at the hidden spot we had found.
I mostly fiddled around trying to get the clouds right. I soon realized they were dissipating faster than I could paint. Initially there was a monstrous cloud that looked like a mushroom cloud, but by the time I had blocked in the shape it had morphed into something completely different. This turned out to be another learning experience, to say the least. I hope the horses stick around next time.
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First Plein Air

On September 18, 2009   /   Blog   /   92 Comments


Bastrop Recreational Park
9″ x 12″ oil on board

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.

 

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Compliments

Reminds me of the great Dore. Excellent play of light and shadow. I wish I could be this good one day.