Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Painting the Bird Bath

Bird Bath
6"x8" oil on canvas panel
I must have been feeling adventurous yesterday. I needed to break out from the studio painting and still lifes. So I walked into my back yard and painted the first thing I saw. These are some of our marigolds and zinnias we planted around the bird bath.The weather has changed here in Omaha from high humidity and 100 degrees to a beautiful breezy 80degrees.
I have not painted outdoors live (Plein Air) more than a dozen times in my life. I find it very difficult and I greatly admire those who can do it well. The problem is the light and colors change so frequently and fast. I start painting one picture and end up finishing a different one on the same canvas. The result is a much more impressionistic style than I usually do.
Anything that I am this uncomfortable with only means I need more practice. So, I guess in the near future I will be outside on beautiful days. (Life as a struggling artist has some benefits)


4 comments:

Louis Boileau said...

Nice painting Peter. I know what you mean about painting pleine aire. I'm going out today to buy a french easel.

Takeyce said...

How delightful! I love your use of color.

Darren Maurer said...

I like the warm tones of the concrete on the bird bath.

David said...

It's a beautiful little painting -- turned out well! I like the lively strokes. They add to the feeling of "trying to capture it" in the moment.