Daily Plein Air Practice Day 3 - St. Patrick's Spire in Corning, Iowa

It's a miracle!

I am cured of the fear of painting in public. How did this happen? Was it because I chose to paint a church as my first subject after entering my first Plein Air Paint Out?
Or was it because I met several wonderful artists who were very encouraging? Or was it the friendly people of the town of Corning, Iowa who made me feel so comfortable?
I think it was all of the above.

(Debra Groesser), a wonderful plein air painter with whom I took a (day class in May), invited me to participate in the second annual EnPlein Air- Paint Out in Corning. I am so glad she did.




Corning is about a two hour drive from Omaha. I arrived about 9:00 AM, registered at the Corning Center for Fine Arts and walked a few blocks before I noticed the sun hitting this church spire in the distance. The orange tile rooftops have a European look. I set up in the shade of a building about 10:00AM. The sky went from overcast to brilliant sunshine and back again. "What did I get myself into?" I asked myself.

By the time I got near the end of painting, I was standing in full sunlight. But the effort was worth the sun burn.

click on the image to enlarge the picture

St. Patrick's Spire
8"x10"
oil on masonite
SOLD

I ended the morning with a painting I liked and with a surprise. Not only did I really enjoy the experience but I had no fear once I started. I think I am hooked. But wait there is more... This painting sold the next day. What a blessing...I should paint more churches.

I'll post more of the paintings I did at Corning over the next few days. With a surprise ending.