Friday, June 1, 2012

June Day - Plein Air Landscape

June Day
4x6 inches
acrylic on canvas panel

Well today was to be a framing day - lots of framing I needed to get done for some upcoming events.
But the weather was absolutely perfect, and as I drove home from a post office trip and a local delivery, I eyed the tiny cemetery around the corner from my house, thinking of how wonderful it would be to spend a few hours painting there today. However I kept on going, knowing that a lot of framing awaited me at home.

In the end, I decided to compromise - an hour in the yard, and the rest of the day to finish the framing. So this was a quickie - 45 minutes tops, and no touch up after. I used a larger brush than normal, determined to keep things as loose as possible. I also decided that in this predominately green scene, that I would not use any premixed greens. My palette consisted of cadmium yellow medium, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue and titanium white. It was interesting to see the range of greens that resulted. What I found the most difficult though was not the greens - but finding some browns that I liked. I should have spent a little more time with the composition, too - I'm not pleased with how that tree ended up dead center.

Anyways, it is the PROCESS, right? I am glad that I spent the time out working on this on such a lovely day. Next I've got to get to work on some pieces for a new gallery.....bet you can't guess the theme!?!

2 comments:

helen said...

Looks like summer!

Debbie Shirley said...

It felt that way, too, Helen!
Unfortunately this week we seem to have returned to autumn around here......

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