Behind the Scene

Spring Plein Air Demo

When I saw this view, I knew I had found our venue.  It would offer an opportunity to explore the atmospheric perspective, including foreground, middle ground, and background. The trees, reeds, and water would be inviting challenges. I liked it so much, I went back to paint it for myself. The following is an account of how I approached the experience.

I set up my easel, with my paints, brushes, garbage, and gear bags all within arm's reach.

I hold out a panel at eye level to find the horizon from my perspective.

Using a #2 pencil, I draw out the major shapes. If there is a change in plane, there is a line. This drawing is about design, connections, and seeing form. It gets me thinking about the whole picture.

With a paper towel or a wide brush, I 'dampen' my palette and my panel with Gamsol paint thinner, to help the paint move across the canvas and mix on the palette.

I mix Payne's Grey from Ivory Black, Cobalt Blue, and Lead White to create a thin yet not too fluid mix. In the following images, Payne's Grey will be used to create a drawing, and then it will be modified to create shadows, establishing the light effect.