A friend from Dayton , Nevada came out this past Wednesday to plein-air in Pastel with me. That is always so much fun. She worked at painting the whole day, I could only go for the morning. We drove out to Hope Valley to try and do the river. A full on river scene is something I haven't felt confident enough to try. There are plenty of opportunities around here so I knew that one day I would. This was so difficult , and I hope to do many more after having worked thru this one. Of course, the sun kept climbing and as it did, there would be more of the sky color reflected on the water. And the breezes would blow, making little ripples and changing things! Boy, what an experience tho and I can't wait for another try at it!
I have been painting upstairs in the old ranch house that is the main part of this ranch and where my fella grew up, and his father before him, and grandfather before that, both being born right here in it. It is taking me a lot of time, prepping and painting and all, but so worth it. Tomorrow is a day off for me tho, and I will hike and plein-air. See you after that with what ever I am able to paint!
I also want to say, my friend from Dayton brought with her some wonderful pastel paper--Clairfontaine Pastelmat, and gave me a peice to use. I had white, and I did a Nupastel value sketch of the scene I wanted to try, and washed it with alcohol--then did the colors I was seeing over that. I cropped the sky out as the river was enough for me! and a fisherman walked down , which I make to look like a lady I think! Oh well.
