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| Sunrise, November 3, pastel on Uart, 5x10 |
Plein air painting is still the most important part of my work. What's funny is that at least 95% of these paintings will never be shown and are simply for "process." The other day, when I explained this to a friend, she asked, why is it I continue to rise each morning before the sun (especially now that the weather is so cold) and paint? It made me wonder why any plein air painter does this. For me, it's not about producing a finished "product." Each painting now sits in my head and informs everything I do. I love the challenge, the struggle and "being there." Looking at one scene and its changing light and shapes with the purpose of creating one painting is daunting and thrilling. It makes me try to nail that vision despite all the confusing factors. It's an adrenaline rush. Especially sunrise. Sunrise lasts only minutes. It's my favorite time to paint...so off I go.
Before I leave...why do YOU paint outdoors?
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| November 2 sky, 7x14 pastel |
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| sunrise, November 4, 5x10 pastel |
8 comments:
Well, I don't paint but I wish I did because I completely understand that rush of the moment of sunrise. Rather I content myself with the fleeting joy and the knowledge that there will be another one tomorrow morning. Best part is every one is different and beautiful in it's own way.
Hi Loriann,
The paintings that you posted this week-you have caught the feeling of a new day that is just
starting .I liked these paintings very much. Painting Plein Air? My current methodology is to
create studies and work in the studio. The studies
are used to help the process.i usually do not work directly from them. Most of landscapes are from memory. My painting is not about the exact duplication of a scene. It is concerned with getting to the essence of the landscape, the evocation of a presence seen & felt. If I lived in the Western states or in New England I would probably do more plein air with paint. Usually I work with pencil and/or colored pencils but lately I am having a great time with watercolors and/or oil pastels. The Pitt brush pens are another tool in the box that I use. Any photos taken with one of those small throw away cameras are used just to help jog memory.
NJ ART 73
Hi Loriann did you finish both of the above pastels on location? if you did you are capturing a great deal of information. These are very accomplished works and look like a great deal of thought has gone into them. I was thinking about your early morning venture into the world of nature to capture the rising sun. It could be that you are a lark and not a night owl. The early hours and being outside bring you to life both mentally and physically. I feel more in tune with the setting of the sun as I am more alert as the day goes forth. Have you noticed when your energy levels are high? or maybe it is more relaxing to greet the day at dusk, then you can focus quietly on your work. All interesting stuff and thought provoking too.
I guess that I love love plein air painting because I love the out-of-doors. I want to paint what I see, so, out I go.
These are very great and special - you should know that! I am captured by the green in the sky on the first one. And, another interesting thing is how I can make some paper texture with the first extra large image - I like that.
Hi Leah,fellow sunrise lover! You are so right..each one is so different. i often wonder how that can be..amazing don't you think?
Hey NJ,
Thanks about the paintings. Sounds like you have tried many different materials for your outdoors work. I agree with you about not making a duplication of the scene...instead making a more emotional interpretation. Enjoy this inspirational Autumn!
Hi Caroline!
Yep I finished all of them on location. And yes, I am definitely a lark..never a night owl. It is 8 pm and I am ready for bed...up at 5ish before the sunrises. Enjoy your sunsets.
Hi Pam! I agree. Outdoors is awesome.
Hey Casey! Thank you for your kind words about my work.That green was amazing near the pink/gray/violet of that sunrise. Yum.
Hi Loriann. I'd say I paint en plein air for the same reasons as you. The rapid changing of light proves to be a wonderful challenge and nothing replaces being there. There is a level of awareness that can only be captured while in the elements. My question for you would be why don't you exhibit these wonderful plein air pieces? You should be tremendously proud of these works and I assure you that the public would appreciate them very much!
Hi Brian! Long time, no hear...I will have to stop by your blog soon.I think we share like minds when it comes to plein air. It is such a special time. The works I make I make for me...but yes, if I feel really good about a painting I will sell it. First I will use it as fodder for bigger works. In my next solo show I will present many large studio oils, each with its companion-an inspiration from plein air. I may even add some of the small studies that I do in order to work out the color harmonies of the larger piece. Come on down. The show opens in April.
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