Blog

Well here I go, back into the world of blogging.  I will be using my blog as a journal to keep my thoughts on painting in one place.  It's been 9 years since I got back into my art and I've done a lot of looking back...and looking forward.  You'll see posts here on my current thoughts and I also want to have a place to house some of my past work and projects.  So you'll see current projects and also past projects...a great way to see how far I've come and for you to maybe catch up on some of my past work.   I haven't veered too far off from my original way of painting so I feel the posts will still feel relevant.  

Today I want to put my thoughts down about how I gather information when painting outdoors.  You'll notice my images toggle back and forth between painting on a panel and painting in a sketchbook.  Below is probably my favorite plein air session ever in all my years of painting outside.  The initial sketch came together using pencil and markers, with some written notes.  The 5 x7 oil sketch came together so easily by using dry brush marks with layers built up very loosely.  From my very first time painting landscapes, I've done a a sketch along with the painting.I

Eventually, I began using homemade Kraft sketchbooks which lent to quicker painting sessions with lots of written notes and color notes. With this method of gathering information, I can paint by holding the sketchbook and using a tiny handmade travel palette with limited colors, brushes, etc.  

I haven't chosen a favorite way of gathering information but I do think about how I can get out more often to paint and what I can do to make the most of that time.  I equally love painting in the sketchbooks and on a panel.  When painting on a panel, I do feel like I set higher expectations of completing a good, finished painting...and that's not my intent now.  I find myself disappointed sometimes if I don't go home with a good painting, whereas in the sketchbooks I don't feel that way,  

Either way now, I find that I am just looking to gathering  information and not come home with a perfect painting.  I want to think like the first Impressionists and just gather those first impressions of how the scene looks and how it makes me feel.  Break it down to the most basic tasks of capturing the composition, color, light, form , values, etc.  

Most times now, I take lots of photos of the initial scene so I can use those photos back in the studio. I never want to copy a photo and I feel I have enough brush miles under my belt now to interpret the scene in more my style. So with a simpler oil sketch and pencil/marker sketch, I get just enough to capture an impression and mood.  

There is something though about painting outside that strengthens your skills even when you paint in the studio.  I feel that if I want to be a representational painter, I need to paint from life to keep those skills sharp. There's nothing that compares to painting from life to capture color, values, composition, mood, etc.  In the image below, there is no way I'd get those wonderful violets and yellows on the tree and snow if I didn't make this quick study outdoors.  

Taking time to gather my supples and going out to sit in nature has so many added benefits.  I'm getting fresh air, unplugging, and I'm using all my senses to hear the birds and water...see the color nuisances...smell the cedars or sweet earth...feel the sun on my shoulders....and to use get the mood of the day.  

I'm there to absorb the entire experience.  Whatever way I choose to gather the information, I always want to remember that feeling of nature and the great outdoors.  I recently found a page from my journals, that documents how I like to do my studies and collect information.  I'll share that soon! I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you like to gather information while painting outside.