Winter Rain

Oil on linen 10x8

May be a work in progress

I had planned to take my French easel out today, but it rained all day. I have long been intrigued by the corner of my landscaping with a statue of a little girl feeding some ducks. It is overgrown and waiting for spring cleaning, clearing, and trimming.

The view I selected is from the front porch across the driveway. Everything is wet, and gray, and golden brown. The shadows are deep, but the values are muted by the rain and overcast sky.

This painting may need to be touched up or elaborated later. The wind came up and started splattering rain onto the easel and the painting. I discovered that when water gets on the oil, painting over pulls up the original layer of paint. That could make for some interesting effects, but it's not a good surprise.

Boone Park Bridge

Oil on linen panel 10x8

Painted en plein air this morning at Boone Park. I have not retouched or added to this piece in the studio. Picture shows some sky-reflection, but it's the best I have at this time.

Analysis

• Used #4 & #6 flat synthetic bristle brushes - larger than I usually use
• Liquin is very thixatrophic - need to be aware of that - can thin to washes unexpectedly
• Working quickly w/o a drawing on canvas - the result somewhat "Cezanne -esque"

Elements to consider - Exuberance of the act of painting in this piece trumped the need for detail and correction of color or composition once the original composition was established.