"Meadow Lark"5x7 oil on panel
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It's summer and my favorite time of day is the morning. I love to get up early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in and work in my flowers, have a cup of coffee on the back patio and read the paper. It is such a peaceful time of day for me, before the phone starts ringing and the reality of the day takes over.
A first for me this May was a plein air paint out. This entails dragging all of your painting paraphernalia into the field, setting up shop and painting what you see as you see it. All I can really say is that I survived. I even enjoyed the first few hours when it was still cool and the bugs had yet to locate my spot.
Plein air painters are a hardy lot. They must be willing to fight the elements, remember or improvise all of their supplies, and rig up a way to get all of their wet paintings home with no smears. They have to be fast on their feet to capture what they see at the moment before the light and shadow patterns change. They have to be able to simplify and zero in on their subject and make all of that green stuff look interesting.
I thought it would be easy. I ran not walked back to my studio, my music, my cup of hot tea, air conditioning, and other creature comforts. All I can say is, "been there, done that", and take my hat off to all those who persevere in the field. So, here is possibly my one and only plein air painting. Enjoy!!!! Until next month......................................JB
