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First attempt at plain air hay bales |
I have been attempting to set studio schedules and focus on making art really happen on a more consistent basis. In doing this, I am realizing that summer is not the time to buckle down and paint in the studio. Besides the distractions of summer hiking, camping and floating, and the never ending yard and garden upkeep-summer is time to focus on plain air. As I write my new art goals and structure my studio time, I am finding I need to have a different time plan for each season.
Summer's focus on getting out and plain air painting will carry over into fall, anticipating the golden hues of that season. Winter will be class time and using photos and observations from the summer and fall in the studio. I am still developing my strategy for Spring/Fall times.
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First draft, getting to know the hay bales, second hay bale painting |
Great subject, right in town
It helps having a friend to make sure I get out. Once you are committed, then you stick with the plan I find. I went out myself, but it was chilly that day, and it was easy to stop and go home. At least I did get out.
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Quick start on a stormy morning |
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A little rain shower action |
The goal currently is to get out once a week whenever possible and paint. Also to challenge myself and paint out of my comfort zone. As if plain air itself and getting used to oil paints again isn't enough challenge! Trying new subjects-rainy skies, hay bales, water and trying to figure out how to portray the golden yellow of the lower surrounding mountains are on the list.
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Getting started at Cherry Creek Ponds |
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Partway through painting |
Today's attempt, partway finished. Some good things, some learning and motivation to study my favorite painting book, "Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting". And to finish today's post-just another amazing Montana Big Sky.
