I worked this afternoon, on finishing my Oil painting. I was not too sure how to do it, and I was alone. That's not so good sometimes! But I tried. I have been reading all I can find about this stuff, so I thought I could at least finish it! But as I worked, I found many more questions than I had answers. Using the same palette of colors, this is where I stopped. Not exactly what I had in mind----but I am sure it will come with more work, thinking, and trying.
Earlier this morning, I was at the Dutch Valley ranch, where we live. We spend so much time at the Home ranch, on Foothill Road in the Carson Valley, that I do miss being here. The summer greens will be so hard to handle that I am trying to get a jump on that by starting with the spring green shades----it has been so cold here it really seems like spring is behind! It was sunny today, so out I went. This spot is only maybe 100ft. from my kitchen door. So this is where I started from. I was here about 2 hours, and I used a moonstone colored Canson Paper that was mounted on matboard. I drew in my composition with the # 244 Nupastel and washed it with alcohol. It dries very quickly, and the paper stays flat as it is mounted to the mat board. Then I went in with the local colors, and tried to get a fresh look.
How do you think it worked out? There, as usual, is so much more to consider than meets the eye when you begin!! I was surprised that the willows still haven't gotten their greens yet, but as I said, its been cold here, and very windy. Today was nice and sunny, yet I froze toward the ends of my efforts!!!! Still--Plein Air is the most fun of all.
This one is big, much more than normal. Its 10 x 14-----I will be going back to the smaller sizes, but I like to go big once in a while. I will do this again in this location----I am not sure the compostion is as good as it could be. Remember, Its all Work!!! but fun.
