the joy of plein air

6x8 pastel on somerset

I couldn't sleep so my visit to the river was super early and I was delighted! Late April and early May are the times for the fog. The water is cold and the air is warm...beauty results when this happens. The allure of the Spring colors was strong. I had to make clear decisions and to what was the dominant hue and the supporting cast. Moving other colors towards those hues is important. The hardest thing about plein air is so much information.
On a separate note, I have  story that I just have to share with you. As you know I teach part time. Yesterday I was with a group of five year olds. I must admit I LOVE this age! We are studying landscape painting and went out to do some plein air sketching. The children know to find their focus, talk about it then begin their sketching. One little boy chose a place on the hill, far from the others. When I visited him he began sharing, "Oh , I love plein air! I can feel the air on my cheeks and hear the birds and then here I am drawing. I am so lucky!" Now think how wise that little boy is already. Embrace the moment..feel each morsel. He went on to create a very detailed drawing of the stream and bridge!   Two other 5 year old girls later went and sat next to the boy. They were giggling and talking. He turned around and let them know they could stay there if they could be quiet. He needed his concentration. 
WOW! Doesn't that have a familiar ring plein air painters? So now plein air painters, go out and celebrate. It's Spring!!!!