Month: May 2011

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Frames

This is what the frame on most of my pieces looks like.  In some cases I stain it, but many are left raw.  There is a slight space around the image, which helps the viewer see the edge of the painting where the ground color is visible.  These frames are made using basic miters.  The wood is pine.

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Another Plein Air Day

I am trying to get some plein air practice in before taking on the Cedarburg Plein Air Event and the Domes Plein Air Competition this summer.  I am very aware of how differently I paint when painting plein air.  Photographs conveniently help me to filter information and focus on color and composition in a way that realty does not.  The overwhelming information I receive on-sight changes my focus and intention.  I enjoy the stories created while doing it, and the challenges it presents.  I also enjoy an excuse to be outside on a beautiful day to experience the environment and not see it as just a collection of shapes, colors, and lines.  I didn’t get rained on today- so that was good, and I feel good about the painting.

 

This was at Greenfield Park.

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Plein Air Painting

So, truth be told- I haven’t done a lot of plein air painting.  This summer it is my goal to do much more of it.  I have found that painting outside from life is challenging for me because there is too much information.  In an attempt to include everything I see the paintings often become sloppy and confused.  A photograph filters out some of the noise.  A photograph allows me to step away from reality a bit and focus on image, rather than life.  However, I see this as an opportunity to grow.  A few days ago I took my new portable easel out to the lagoon at Sheridan Park.  The sun was shining, it was like 65 degrees.  It was also my birthday so I needed a little adventure.