Two Good Ones - The Takeaways!

Fall Is My Time

Finally, two successes in plein air painting!

Shore Colors 8x10

Recently I completed two plein air paintings which led me to feel as though I finally have made progress. I really concentrated on the composition, staying focused and limiting my painting time. Both paintings were completed outside in 2.5 hours (8x 10) in 15+ MPH winds. This was not an instant success, I have spent weeks plein air painting and reading and asking questions. Only now do I feel all that learning and thinking and frustration has led to a teeny bit of success. 

My key takeaways:

My wagon full of plein air stuff!

• Thumbnail sketch (most of my Instructors have told me this!)
• Red Value Viewer (helps me see lights and darks)
• Limited Palette (White, Cad Red, Ult Blue, Cad Yellow, Black, + Naples Yellow, +Yellow Ochre Light) I chose the additional yellows due to the yellow fall colors. (again Instructors like Limited Palettes)
• Talk to Art Friends: Talking to other artists is invaluable. They have encouraged me, suggested the red value viewer, shared plein air thoughts and expertise, shared notes from workshops -what wonderful resources! 
• Persistence (it is tough to go out and paint alone for hours) and while I have asked many art friends to go with me, it has not worked lately - I have gone out alone.
• Keep Looking for Spots to Paint Close to Home (I do not like to drive too far and have recently discovered a great new place a mile from my house!)
• Be ready on sunny days! (My Plein Air Kit is different from my studio kit - I take less paints, smaller palette, less brushes -anything to lighten load when painting outside). I watch the weather & if sunny and 60s70s, I will try to find time and go out!