Following the Trail

#212761 Sunlight on Hoggs Back 20x16

July is soon upon us. The expectations of big skies, road-side wildflowers and warm sunny days are here. Artists, like myself, seek inspiration from nature so summer months, going into fall are special times. In this northern country, plein air artists are at the mercy of the weather, as each season brings a new colour palette and temperatures that go from freezing cold to sizzling hot. It makes for interesting subject matter. And also frustrations and plenty of painting failures.

For myself painting outside is a joyful experience. The temperature must be at least 8 degrees celcius and it helps if the sun is shining and we don’t get rained out. Then with all these conditions filled, I venture out from my studio with my paint box in hand. Often with a few other courageous artists. I never find the perfect location, just a ‘what-if ‘ subject that ignites my imagination and inspiration. In an hour or so a painting appears on my canvas. Sometimes the sketch becomes the basis for a larger studio piece. When the sketch does not meet expectations it is discarded. But, nothing is really lost. Even the frame will be reused to stretch a new canvas. The more we experiment with new painting efforts, the more we learn about ourselves as artists.

That’s the way we work: serene in the expectation that we are the wiser and that the next effort will lead to a glorious painting. Till next time, Charlie