Sometimes You Just Gotta

Fight the tired and get outside

My painting, my view, close to parking.

 The other day, I knew the weather would be sunny and nice. I woke up tired and it was one of those days - I wasn't feeling like I could get out and paint and I knew my friends were working. I emailed a few people asking if they wanted to meet me at nearby parks, but this was last minute I did not get responses. I always try to invite others to paint with me as that forces me  to show up!

I put on my painting clothes, and sunscreen on my face, tossed my hair in a pony tail and gathered up my plein air gear. The more you do it, the easier it gets -- the plein air gear packing. But, it still takes a bit of time, brushes have to be cleaned and packed, clean turp or gamsol must be put in a container. Paints and canvases must go into the backpack. The pochode has to have a new sheet of palette paper. And, the painter has to have a water and a snack packed.

I put all my gear in the car and headed out, I ended up at a park just a few miles away. There was a great long view shot with lots of yellows and greens that I found in the park. However, the spot was a little walk from the car and I would have felt more comfortable there if I had a friend with me. Needless to say I ended up in a more populated spot.

The end result, I like it!

Right near my parking spot I found some nice shade from a tree and set up. It was afternoon already, yes I am that slow and tired! I decided that I would not spend too much time on this painting (in hindsight I think that helped me concentrate).

I set up and got to work. What I liked about this scene was the red and green - I love my complimentary colors! I also liked how the sunlight hit the barn side and the green grass. Additionally, I really liked the tree branch shadows on the roof and side of the barn. This painting is all about complimentary colors and afternoon light. I was also pleased that I completed this work in 1.5 hours. That is about all I had in me and I am happy with the result.