Plein Air Attempts

 

I decided to play with expressionist colors on this attempt at plein air painting.  I actually like my teal tree, but was unhappy with the building behind it.  My group was painting at the Nazareth Retreat Center in Boise. I got permission for the group to go there and about 5 of us showed up, 2 oil painters, 3 watercolor painters. The group posts on FaceBook (Plein Air Painters of Idaho) so I get to see what other painters have created.  We keep socially distanced, wear masks when talking to each other and I feel safe painting outdoors.

I went back to realistic colors this week, but struggled with perspective and the cold morning. I don't paint with gloves so I didn't stay too long. My arthritic hands don't really do well with colder temperatures. Anyway, I enjoyed painting and several walkers stopped by on the Greenbelt path and said nice things.  I may work on this one a bit more in my studio.

After being a bit frustrated with the plein air painting struggle, I painted this 11 X 14 canvas board in my studio.  "Just Paddling"  from one of my photos in Alberta, Canada.  This was hard too, but I enjoyed it more.  I still haven't figured out how to get reflections in the water, but I will keep trying.

My website on Fine Art America is doing well and I sold several prints last month, also some cards. I find people like to buy the ones with words on them.  Everyone needs a little inspiration at times.