Here and There 'en plein air' Painting

Life Drawing

2012-01-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

My house is being worked on today. Lots of hammering, etc. So, I was very pleased to learn a local art association was this morning offering an open studio life class. It's an event I often attended years ago. The model's poses vary in length . . . usually four different poses held for a very short time, two 20 minute poses, and a final long pose. I never know whether I'm going to draw or paint, but I always can count on the practice being well needed by me. Today was another great example of how wonderful life class can be. The four short poses gave me an opportunity to remind myself that drawing what isn't there (negative space) is as important as drawing what is there. The two twenty minute poses reminded me to be brave, experiment, let the watercolor paint do its own thing. The painting shown here is a twenty minute pose on a paper similar to hot press. And, the final long pose reminded me how easily I mess things up by overworking. Too dark, too fast. My glazes went messy and I thought too much about making the subject perfect. And lastly, after the studio class, several of us sat around and shared art talk over bagged lunches. I'm home now and looking at a painting I should finish today. The paint is lacking life and spontaneity, but the drawing has a spontaneous quality. So, I'm thinking I need to make the same painting in 20 minutes and stop myself. Lay down the paint once and let it be. Maybe try a different surface. Be brave. And put open studio on the calendar in an effort to attend at least twice a month.

It's a New Year!

2012-01-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

My big plan for the end of 2011 was to wrap up several projects and start 2012 with a cleaner studio and fewer things on my calendar that take me away from painting. The plan fell apart when we had two bouts of unusually bad weather in CT and then, of course, the holidays which consume some time but are wonderful family events. So today I return to the plan. A week or so ago, I cleaned out a considerable number of digital photos and tossed them away, recovering about 2G of space on my computer. I could easily toss another 2G, but just yesterday I received an e-mail from someone asking me to paint a small piece from his photo (but will reference a photo or fifty that I took years ago). Computers are great! In about a half hour I was able to give him a positive reply and now have a small project to focus my attention on. Among other things accomplished at the beginning of this new year, I have cleaned and burned paintings that were never going to be completed. These watercolors were nice enough for me to keep for reference, but not nice enough that I wanted anyone to see them, and were a storage problem. I have another batch ready to go . . . almost. And, I tossed another giant bag of stuff I picked up at trade shows. Best of all, I went out in the cold twice and painted. The colors were wonderful although muted. It was difficult to settle into a subject, because the more I looked, the more became interesting! I settled on a BIG red, red barn with white trim for the center of interest, patches of green green grass, tree groups tinges with yellow ochre and russets, and periwinkly mauve distant hills. A bit cliche, but always good practice.

CT Plein Air Painters at Weir Farm National Site

2011-10-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Spent a lovely fall day at the Weir Farm National Historic Site. The CT Plein Air Painters gathered on Sunday and Monday for a group activity. The trees in that area of CT seem a bit more colorful than where I live, but maybe it's an illusion that goes with the wonderful weather. I think about 7 artists from our group showed up on Monday, and I was told a few more attended on Sunday.

I immediately found several places in the park that I would like to paint. None of the places were far from a bathroom or water. And the Ranger was nice enough to open the beautifully restored barn so we could gather for lunch or a rest. I settled for a scene in a back field. The peach tree was a blazing red/magenta color, and the early morning light and shadows were terrific and gave the scene a sense of mystery? I was standing in the shade when I started, and about two hours later, I was standing in the sun. It was hot. I was happy to take a water break and change into a short-sleeved shirt. Bugs were not a problem. I am ready for a new umbrella that offers some UV protection.

Plenty of places to paint or sketch . . . stunning rock walls, apple trees, red buildings, and manicured gardens, as well as many natural areas that artists Alden Weir and his friends painted.

Many thanks to the Ranger who gave us a lovely tour of the property and studios. One of the paintings she showed us depicted one of the other sites I chose to paint. I will go back another day or two or three. And, quite possibly, the CT Plein Air Painters will return for a paintout next year on this same weekend.

http://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm

Watercolor Journaling

2011-10-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

So far, this fall has not been visually beautiful! Not in CT. Nevertheless, the warm temperatures make it especially attractive to be outside. I just returned from a week of outdoor painting in and around Baxter State Park in Maine. This was a planned week with several wonderful artist-friends and we met some wonderful non-artist folks. Many told us how much they wished they could do this "painting outside thing"! So, a workshop is being offered, designed to help anyone get started. It will be fun and the weather looks sunny!

Enjoying a Sunny Day!

2011-09-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks, Mother Nature delivered extraordinary amounts of rain into the CT area. We thought Hurricane Irene had tested us, then along came yesterday's storm and all the flash flooding that followed it. But, the days just after Irene, and this day just after the BIG rain were nearly perfect sunny days. Perfect for watercolor painting outside. Here is a good start, I think, in Harrybrook Park (just before the hurricane). Their volunteers have worked very hard to make the more-than-just-roses garden beautiful. I was surprised to learn how many people visit the park during the day. The paved walking area is perfect for a little exercise, and this little garden is perfectly delightful! When the puddles recede, I will go back and finish.

Looking for New Subjects . . . and Keeping an Eye on the Audience!

2011-08-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

For most of my life, I have enjoyed the wilder, least developed areas of the great state of Maine. Early mornings anywhere are great opportunities for finding new subjects and enjoying the invigorating morning atmosphere. Often nature provides a spectacular show during these early morning hours. This morning was no exception . . . except I also was the show!

After loading up my little boat with my plein air painting equipment, gathering up a life jacket, cushion, then snack and water, I zoomed my little boat across the lake to a quiet spot. Expecting to see a fisherman as a subject, I sat and waited. The little puffs of wind turned the boat and kept me working to keep my eye on the area where I thought a fisherman would appear. The water was lapping the boat, the boat was swaying, the wind was puffing, the light early fog was lifting to reveal gorgeous sunshine, and the birds were tweeting . . . . "real" tweeting! (It is worth a smile.) Then, they stopped tweeting.

Competition. Even the osprey around the lake take notice when this guy arrives. We think he has given up his youthful feathers from previous years. as he's sporting a head of beautiful white feathers. He's a big bird. We've seen three osprey fight back when this eagle scouts too close to their nests.

When the boat drifted close, I took this photo with a little point-and-shoot camera. When the boat drifted too close, the eagle gave me a warning. I didn't find him too scary, but he did warn me. I have seen a bird like this attack a blue heron mid-air. So, while he was watching me, I was watching him. Using binoculars, it was very clear he was keeping an eye on everything around him, probably looking for breakfast. So, I started the motor and did some looking of my own. Further down the lake, a float plane was moored inside a cove more protected from the wind. For the record . . . plein air subjects . . . ar-r-rg! Got a good start and the plane took off!

Painting What You Know

2011-07-12T04:21:00.000-07:00

"Painting What You Know" isn't always easy. What we think we know isn't the same as knowing. In the art world, much of knowing comes from having had an experience, or experiences. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Every day I paint out I learn something. My focus is the visual world, but other elements are always present. Choices have to be made. People talk to me about my painting, about "the painting" and influence my choices. This last month I've made a special effort to get out and paint. I stopped making the little thumbnail sketches and value studies that have always helped me figure out a composition, color scheme, patterns. Today I read an article that reminds me I need to follow my own path. Choices. http://christensenworkshops.com/wordpress/

Jones Family Farm 'En Plein Air' for the CT Farmland Trust

2011-05-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

It was a spectacular warm and sunny day for painting at the Jones Family Farm. This outing was organized by the CT Plein Air Painters, and the goal was artists supporting the preservation of CT's farms by creating paintings that may be purchased during the Trust huge fall event. Last year's event was very successful, and information can be seen by Googling CT Farmland Trust. The Jones family asked that artists show up only on designated days as they are a working farm. It's been a tough spring weather wise. Yesterday really was a 'work out'! We painted at Pumpkinseed Hill in the morning and at the main farm in the afternoon. I painted two watercolors. The first showed a group having a tour of the Pumpkinseed Hill farm. The view included a panorama that looks over the main farm with it's vast tree farm and winery. I want to go back and paint the piggies! Spotted piggies, with awesome personality! In the afternoon, we painted a section of the tree farm. Lots of new growth provided ample opportunity to learn about tree shapes and the huge variety of greens out there. I'm not thrilled with my second painting. But, the day was great and I was outside enjoying it.

More Rain, More Fog, etc.

2011-05-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

The weather this week has been oddly wet and rainy. It's been good for catching up with paperwork, filing, phone calls. The lilacs picked earlier in the week made their way to the compost pile. No replacements yet. After a short tour of the yard between rainstorms, I planted some seeds sprouted on a wet paper towel in my kitchen. The vegetable garden needs to be turned over and planted. Cleaned and refilled the hummingbird feeder and it took just about one minute for hummingbird entertainment to begin.
We have a group preparing to paint out tomorrow and Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it. My paints, easel, and other necessary equipment are already in my car. Need to add big spray and a good hat.
Let the sunshine appear!

Fog, Rain, Mist, Rain and More Fog!

2011-05-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed a mostly cool and rainy week in Maine. I am very grateful to the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, Maine for the opportunity to speak, share my ppt presentation, and show paintings and sketchbooks from my month-long art residency in France. Those who gathered in the gallery that evening were very kind and generous with their enthusiasm and comments. Several signed up to paint en plein air in the Hallowell area. We'll see what we can do to get something going in the next month or so. The Maine Plein Air painters go out, usually, on Wednesdays (I was really happy to paint with them in East Boothbay on Wednesday) and the Western Maine group goes out, I think, on Saturdays. Since we all want the join up with them when we can, we will choose another day of the week for our paint out. Anyone who is interested may e-mail me and I will add their names to the list.
Most of last week was rainy, overcast, and wet. It was a challenge finding a spot to paint out with watercolors. But, I was successful going back to two locations and completing paintings I previously started. I also planted a few flowering somthings, and hope to return in a few weeks and find they are beautiful. Spent a day prepping some of the papers for future paintings. I like to thoroughly wet both sides, and lay in a transparent wash of color. I use a hair dryer to speed up the process and sometimes direct the paint into interesting patterns. Often painting on a previously tinted paper helps unify a painting. And, wetting the paper removes some of the sizing. Paintings done on a pre-washed paper have a very different look than those painted directly.
Kept up with my sketchbook most days. Hurray!! It was great fun going back over sketches (dated) from previous years and remembering the sights and weather, and reminding myself and others of great places to stop and paint. Also, had a good couple of evenings drawing ancestors from old photos! We had some awesome family gatherings, both my family and my husband's family. I'm reminded we have to make our own good times.

Laurel Ridge Farm and Their Daffodil Fields

2011-04-28T03:18:00.000-07:00

Woke up to another foggy morning. Rain is predicted, so it sounds like I'll be doing things around the house. The birds have had a lot to say this morning! They must know a fairly heavy rainstorm is on its way.
Painting the daffodil fields is always a treat this time of year. They seem slow coming out this year. This morning, I have only one daffodil open in my yard. But, the crocuses are nearly past and peonies, etc. are well on their way. In about a week the tulips in my yard will be gorgeous (if the deer don't get them first)!
Looking forward to a sunny weekend and a trip to the daffodil fields.
Laurel Ridge Farm

REMINDER: Bring My Paint!

2011-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Struck by the beautiful day, I packed up my painting equipment and a lunch, and headed out for a day of painting. I had several places in mind. Two possibilities for morning paintings and one place (firm) for the afternoon. My first stop was Laurel Ridge Farm (see my blog from last spring). The fabulous daffodil fields are not yet in bloom. Disappointed, but knowing I have much to look forward to in a week, I moved on to White Memorial, then New Preston falls.
The falls at New Preston are exceptionally beautiful this year. The water is high, so the plume is gorgeous! And, below the falls skunk cabbage are plentiful, so the foreground is delightful with spring greens. Across the street from the falls is a long view to the next hillside. The foreground elements include a large turquoise colonial with a hillside of daffodils, then a valley, then the next hill. The trees beyond are tipped with red buds.
My sketchbook was on the front seat, so I took a little hike to check out the vantage point for a future painting. Walked to another site, made a sketch. Walked to another site, made a sketch. Pretty happy with all that, I drove toward Washington and discovered one of my favorite barns fell over the winter. Another casualty of this past heavy-snow winter.
I decided to make a quick trip home for lunch before my next stop. Lunch was great! It's warm enough to sit on the deck and enjoy the potted tulips and pansies. They are tempting me to paint them, but I'm sticking to my plan and will go out for an afternoon painting.
And, there is was . . . my paintbox at the bottom of the stairs near the garage!! I had so much fun sketching this morning that I never missed it! So, inadvertently I followed my own advise from a previous blog entry. "REMEMBER; to sketch." I found and documented several great places to return to, practiced designing good compositions, planned for simple perspective and color placement, edited out the junk, found my whites and connected them
But, I'm reminded to keep my sketching kit in the car at all times.

REMINDER: Use the Sketchbook in My Pocket

2011-02-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Another week nearly gone by and I haven't kept up with my plan for a sketch a day or a painting a week. I always keep a tiny sketchbook in my purse, a decent fine line marker and simple watercolor palette. On a recent trip to Brooklyn to visit my daughter, I reminded myself that the hardest part of making art is getting started, and a thumbnail can be a wonderful thing. This little sketch was done in a coffee shop. It took all of five minutes and is a wonderful souvenier of my trip, of time spent with family and the beautiful sunny day. The snow is nearly gone in Brooklyn. I came home and used the computer to add a little color.

Getting into the Winter Blues

2011-02-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

My original plan was to post a painting a week, or a drawing each week, and provide myself and other artists with ideas on locations for plein air painting. I thought it would be handy to review my blog and see where I've been, what I've done, and share ideas for upcoming art activities. All this blogging, facebookking, digital imagery making, etc. takes time. So, I abandoned my blog and enjoyed my summer and fall, and happily traveled, sketched and painted. The long gray winter days of late are giving me the opportunity to look back on this year, and catch up with my original plan.

Winter 2011. . . WOW! New England has had it's share of snow. During a regular winter, I went out with my artist friends and painted. We painted cornstalks breaking through the crusty snow, fir trees and deciduous trees tinged with lovely rusty red buds, ochre bushes veiled with vines dangling red berries, long cobalt blue shadows against the warm white areas of glistening snow, or the jewel-toned winter birds enjoying a feast at our home feeders. (I have enjoyed the birds this year and the squirrels. Just yesterday, while traveling along what is now a one-lane road, several wild turkeys jumped the snowbank into the road in front of me. I was both happy to see them and happy I had not hit one!) But, the snowfall this winter has been a bit much and my artist friends and I have been out only a few times. I'm estimating 50" of snow on the ground at this writing, and two more snowstorms predicted. We're shoveling instead of painting.

This morning it is gray and snow-sleeting again. My husband is raking the snow off the roof, and I probably will start the process of moving things from the basement that may be damaged when a thaw finally arrives. During days off, we've enjoyed snowshoeing as a alternate to shoveling. The scenery around us during those adventures has been beautiful, quiet, and refreshing in its coldness. I've had thoughts of bringing my painting gear in an abbreviated form, but last week I stepped off the snowpack and went thigh deep into a no-longer fluffy area. The snowshoes work great, but I can see myself struggling with my easel and struggling with dropped items. Eventually, the snow will pack down and I will be able to take off the snowshoes, put up and easel and paint.

The sketchbook I keep in the car does not have as many wintertime sketches this year, as the roads are narrow and it's difficult to find a place to pull off . . . even for a moment. But, I am sketching. And, I went to a parking lot at the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm (http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org). I painted for a full hour before I was too cold to continue!

Coastline Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

2010-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Had a great time over the "perfect weather" Memorial Weekend. One of the high points was painting in the Botanical Gardens at Boothbay Harbor http://www.mainegardens.org. I've been trying to get there for nearly a year. My plein air painting friend, Melissa, and I spent a day looking for a great site in the general Boothbay area with a white house, lupine, and the ocean. But, once we saw the gardens we settled for some stunning plantings and vivid color. While we didn't get to paint lupine, the gardens were showing off some yellow Ladies' Slippers and many, many pink Ladies' Slippers! I've never seen so many and they will fade soon. Also, a lovely display of art in the main building, including one of my favorite watercolorists, Joan Plummer. And more, the gardens are planning a week for plein air painters (July 18-25) with an opportunity to show and sell at the Visitor Center.

Ice House, Hollis, NH

2010-05-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Friday was a perfect day for painting in watercolor outside. The sun was shining. The air was warm and dry. I drove to Hollis, NH and met up with the NH Plein Air Painters. Early in the day, I painted this ice house next to an apple orchard that is in a town(?) park. After a lovely lunch at a diner in Milford, NH, NH artist Sharon Allen and I painted a local landmark, a lighthouse on a lake. I have a general idea of where it was. The wind picked up in the afternoon, and I struggled to keep my easel from flying away. Having said that, the bugs were fierce and that's unusual on a windy day. Must remember my bug spray next time! The painting went together quickly and I'm fairly happy with the final.

Weantinoge Plein Air

2010-05-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the next paint out with the Weantinoge Land Trust. They created this beautiful poster that will be updated as the new sites are announced. Next paint out is at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford. Beautiful property with rolling hillsides, barns and a Christmas Tree Farm. The associated Silo Gallery has offered to show some of the paintings of the land trust properties in January 2011. Hope the artists come out and paint. The last (May) paint out was well attended . . . weather wasn't too great!

Sping Flowers Have Arrived!

2010-05-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is a beautiful and refreshing time of year! It's hard to focus with all the new things growing and all the beautiful colors popping up. I'm enjoying my little flower garden that, this year, rewarded me with outstanding tulips! I planted some beautiful pansies, also. Yesterday, I had the idea I would paint in my own yard . . . and I did. Somehow I managed to paint other things and not the flowers. I think I'm afraid I can't make a painting as beautiful as the experience of seeing the flowers first hand. But, in the winter months, a beautiful painting would be a feast for the eyes. and the colors energizing.

Laurel Ridge Farm/Daffodil Fields

2010-04-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

Had to make a quick trip to Laurel Ridge Farm and see the daffodils. This farm is a site for the CT Plein Air Painters, and is spectacular this time of year. I marked my calendar for April 8 (to keep watch) but this is the first chance I've had to get there. Friday may be the only time I have to paint on location here as it is a bit of a drive for me. Very early morning seems to be the best light. There seems to be more whites this year, but maybe the yellows have come and gone.

I drove down the road and the farmer was using an ATV to round up the cows.

Spring in My Little Garden

2010-04-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

Not wanting to be totally a landscape painter, I planted a few lovely things in my garden. These beautiful tulips are stunning in the morning light. I planted these bulbs about three years ago, and I'm surprised the deer haven't lopped off their heads! Gourmet salad threats for deer. I also planted some pansies, deciding this year to plant them in groups and by theme. I want to continue my flower watercolor series. Oscar the cat came to visit me. I'm looking forward to having fresh herbs and some lettuces and greens. While he has his eyes on the birds at my feeders, I'm sure Oscar has plans for some of my herbs, too!

Went back out to Smyrski Farm after work today. Have thoughts of at least a dozen more paintings there. I made five paintings, but only one will make it into a frame. Made plans to go to Lily Preserve on Sunday.

Spring in New Milford CT

2010-04-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

This looks like a morning photo, but is late day. Stunning view looking down Lake Lillinonah. Yesterday the wind calmed late in the day, and I came across this scene after I completed another painting. My painting of the day was satisfactory, but I painted in watercolor and thought about painting in oils. I didn't stick to my original thought for the painting and was disappointed with the final product. So, today I must make a decision . . . paint the daffodil fields in Litchfield or give this scene a try or paint right here at home. Springtime in my own yard is pretty, too!

Weir Farm, Ridgefield, CT

2010-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Another stunning spring day here

in CT!! Spent the whole day with a

group of plein air artists at the historic Weir Farm in Ridgefield, CT. A light breeze kept the few bugs away. The forsythia were in bloom and a few daffodils. The tree groups in the forested areas still have their red veiled look. Wet ground and some puddles. I think I heard peepers all day! My favorite view was an apple tree against a stone wall with a huge puddle in front of it. Had I painted it, and I don't know why I didn't, the painting would have not had sky above, but sky in the puddle. High horizon. My friend, James, finished a challenging painting of Weir's studio and the meandering pathway through the field. I struggled to finish my watercolor . . . so tempting to cover the white spaces. I think my early design leaving the barn roof nearly white was a cleaner more exciting painting. But, the painting I finished shows the spring light and color. I may do another of the same scene and keep the graphic design simple but strong. Later in the day, I spent an hour sketching and planning for another trip to this magical place. I have morning sketches and late day sketches. Took some time lapsed images of the final painting and will post "the movie."

Perfect Painting Day!

2010-03-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Stunning spring day today. It must have reached 73 degrees, bright blue sky, and few bugs! Went back to Smyrski Farm in New Milford and painted on the side of the road. The late morning light was nicer than I expected, but the shadows quickly changed and I stopped. I'll go back and finish this painting on a morning when the leaves pop.

My little ink sketches were well worth the time it took to make them. I put a light color wash over one of them and tried to hold to the colors that speak of this time of year, and note the direction of the sun and shadows. The sketches also will be a good reminder when I return to the area and am looking for something to paint.

The paint out days in April are going to be wonderful. I'm looking forward to walking down into the property and viewing the farm from below. It looks like a river runs along side and a swampy area. As today progressed, the mountains to the south turned a periwinkle blue and the mountains to the north went mauve. Lots and lots of animal noises . . . cows, wild turkeys, hawks, nuthatches, etc.

Big "Thank You" to Weantinoge and all who help preserve this beautiful land!

Reminder: tighten the bracket on my umbrella, bring bug spray, bring sun-block, bring extra drinking water.

Plein Air Painting Opportunities

2010-03-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

This photo is not mine, but I included it to show the incredible landscape painting opportunity at the Smyrski Farm in New Milford. The Weantinoge Land Trust and the Connecticut Plein Air Painters have joined together to launch a plein air painting event. The first paint out is April 16 - 19 (Earth Day) weekend! What a great way to celebrate this beautiful and mostly natural landscape! The featured land trust property for this weekend is the Smyrski Farm. Plein air artists are invited to participate and can learn more by visiting the Weantinoge Land Trust website and/or the Weantinoge Land Trust facebook page. The Connecticut Plein Air Painters are also posting information on their website. Several paintout dates are planned and unique properties will be open to plein air painters only each time. Later, a juried exhibition art sale/auction will be held. A percentage of the sale of art generated during the paint outs will benefit the land trust. Artists may e-mail me if they have questions, need directions, etc.

Full Moon Last Night

2010-03-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

Was awakened by a shining something at about 5:18 am. It should have been the sun, but it looks like a full moon. It's barely 32 degrees temperature outside. And, it's chilly in the house. Yesterday was too warm for the snow to stay stuck to the trees. But, a night ago it may have looked something like this. I used a brown bag, old black marker and a little water, then white out for the moon and snow. As I look out the window the shadows coming toward me are quite blue and the snow where the moonlight is hitting is a lighter blue. I can see the sun about to rise in the east (6:12 am). The sky in front of the sunrise is gray-blue to light yellow-white. The light has not hit the snow yet, and the snow is darker than the sky and bluer by far. Trees on the horizon are blocking the light and look very dark.

Value Study Reminder

2010-03-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

The last two times I went out to paint, it was snowy and cold. Both paintings were scrubbed out. I can see I need to go back to basics. Sometimes it helps me see my subject if I do simple value studies using simple shapes. Just move the paint around. Any objects around the house will do, but fruit shapes are much like landscapes. I'm trying to remember to connect the whites, use variety of edge treatments, lightest-light and darkest-dark help define the focal point. These sketches are verticals, something I rarely do. I'm liking the "happy accidents" that I let the paint do its own thing.

Walk in Harrybrook and Rainy Day Doings

2010-02-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Rainy, dreary, gray . . . looks like it wants to snow. Went for a walk in nearby Harrybrook Park, then settled in updating my website. Also, decided to let go of about half of my dust collection :) and my dining room and studio areas are looking much more inviting!! Marc, however, is painting!!! (Walls)

Painting the Smyrski Farm, New Milford

2010-02-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

Woke up and saw a stunning wintery landscape. We had about 6" of fluffy snow overnight. The tree branches had snow all the way to the tippy top. Morning sky was cool blue-gray to pink on the horizon, yellow-white where the sun eluded to rising.

Marc and I spent the morning snowshoeing on one of the Weantinoge Landtrust properties. Temperature hovering around 34 degrees and no wind. One of the trails led us downhill and along a stone wall to a pond; water dark aqua-green and blues, white snow, yellow ochre grasses and something very purple-ish. Distant hills looked periwinkle gray with a mauve overtone. Dog burrs along the trail coming back. Some of the trail was muddy - mudshoeing and puddle-jumping. Our snowshoes, boots and backsides were splattered and caked with mud and snow. Nice hike. Not too strenuous. Probably should have brought lunch. And, should have charged the big camera battery. Glad to have had a back-up camera. Brought sketchbook, indelible pen, pencil . . . sketched places of interest along the trail that could be good painting sites. Still need to shorten the handles of a couple of flat brushes and bring a small w/c kit. On a sunny day it would be faster to lay on a medium wash of color over my line drawings. Hint at where the mid-tone values might be and note the time of day. Really need to bring two colors, maybe ultramarine blue and something like vienna red.

Karen and I spent the afternoon painting the black cows in the snow and the white barns at Smyrski farm in the Merryall section of town. Gave up at 5 pm when the gentle snowfall turned to misty sleet-rain. The grayness of the day brought out the colors, and the brief moment of sunshine warmed up the high areas of the ground snow. The distant hills were in and out of visibility as the snow showers came and went. Might try it again tomorrow. Didn't paint a "keeper" today. Might try again tomorrow.

Lover's Leap State Park on Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Had a stunning Valentine’s Day! Enjoyed a brisk walk at Lover’s Leap State Park. While this may not be the warmest or most colorful time of year to be at the park, the people who were hiking along its many paths added patches of bright color and warmth to the landscape. Thought it funny that American Indian “cupid” was atop a nearby barn, and came home to investigate the story of this Lover’s Leap State Park.

http://www.curbstone.org/index.cfm?webpage=119

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid

February 12, 2010 Getting Started

2010-02-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's taken six weeks, but I can finally respond to those who ask me about a New Year's resolution. I'm going to use this blog as my sketchbook, and hopefully share some of the wonderful places I go and wonderful people I meet! Add some images. Add some art thoughts. Plein air painting is, simply, painting outside "in the air" in all types of weather. It's a very personal way to see the world.

Yes, I go out in the snow, in the rain, in the sun and in the everything-in-between days. I prefer the perfect day, but in New England (and other places) the weather changes in a heartbeat. The trick is to get outside, and get started.

Today the sun rose in a clear sky. The sky was bright/light aqua with a ramp toward creamy yellow. In front of the sky, tree trunks stood bluish-gray, and the snow beneath them and closer to me wanted to be a grayed cobalt blue. It reminded me of Maxfield Parrish, although I hunted for one of his morning paintings and didn't see the same color combo. The sky was gorgeous blue all day, and in the late afternoon I drove around looking for a view with the last light on the snow, a twinkling bit of yellow-white. The sunset wasn't as beautiful as the rest of the day. Didn't paint today. I dug out a new sketchbook and made plans to paint with another artist on Sunday. The painting shown here is a oil I painted last winter. Some of the sites I looked at today were of the along the Aspetuck River, the ice was breaking up and the water, dark tealgreens and ultramarine blues, bubbled along a zig-zaggy path. I was looking for something like this previous scene, with red berries on the bushes and maybe an evergreen . . . red, green and blue against the snow. While the painting above is an oil, my preference is to paint in watercolors. Not quite warm enough to paint with watercolors outside today. I'm watching for whites in the landscape . . .