Spring in My Little Garden

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.