Painting on an April Day with Companions

This oil painting was done at Cranberry Marsh near Pickering (just east of Toronto) on Lake Ontario in April. I went out with fellow artist Gary Smith (http://www.escapewithgary.com). This is the first of two small  paintings (6 x 8 inches) that I did that day and is what I would call "simple minded," that is too much detail, with too little attention to large shapes etc.

The other image shows my critical companion.

This small painting (6" x 8") was also done in the early spring along the lagoon on Toronto Island. A wonderfully hot day in late April. I was standing out on a wharf with the thought in my mind that I might step back too far and fall into the water!

First plein air painting in oil

I have been a watercolour painter for the past few years, but I got interested in learning how to paint in oils just after the new year and began to paint "en plein air" in the Spring. Plein Air painting is as we all know is painting outdoors in the open air. Not only is it healthy to be outside it is also fun, usually (and by necessity) quick so there is little investment in time so if the painting doesn't turn out, the fun and the healthy part are not wasted although the painting might be. Another benefit is that it is also often done by a group. This adds to fun as well as being a chance to have others comment on your work. (I think that artists are used to this so that there is rarely any unkind remarks and most are helpful and encouraging.

This painting was one the first one that I did. In order to make things easier I used (and so far continue to use) only five colours; Cadmium Lellow light, Perylene Red, Ultramarine Blue, Viridian (green) and Titanium White as recommended by Bob Rohm in his book The Painterly Approach.

Until next time.