I went out on my morning walk the other day getting exercise and snapping photos (a real multitasker)and saw this great pile of leaves being built by an industrious neighbor. I asked if she would mind if I took her photograph. She was very kind and interested as to why.
I often have to explain why I am walking and photographing people's backyards or old cars or even their garbage cans. Most people assume I am working for the local newspaper. When I say I am a local artist, a strange look appears on their faces. It's the same look you would get if you asked them ..."Have you seen my uncle Fred. He escaped this morning without wearing any clothes and we can't find him...".
This really is a studio painting of a plein air experience. I don't think I would have been able to ask her to stand there and pose while I set up to paint.
click on the image to enlarge the pictureRaking Leaves in Benson
8"x10"
oil on canvas board
I had to take some artistic license here. I believe she actually was raking the leaves with a broom. I should have named it "Sweeping Leaves". It is a very cheerful painting that captures the feeling of the day very well I think.
6 comments:
Your images are showing up on my feed at bloglines.
I love how you can fit so much mood into such a small painting - I feel like I'm walking down the street in the fall when I look at this one.
You really captured the mood and the colors! I feel like I can smell the leaves and cool air. It's a nice refreshment from office surroundings.
Hey Peter! Way to go! This one is a winner!
I have to tell you that I laughed out loud reading your commentary!! Really struck me funny.
BTW, Uncle Fred has been by here a few times . . . .just what you'd expect in California! ;-) Now that I know he is your uncle, we'll send him home! ;-))
hi peter good to see you are sticking with plein air,this is a lovely image,great composition and feeling...altough studio,your outside practice is paying off!
thanks everyone for the kind words.
Stacey and Charity- That's just the feeling I wanted to express. Wonderful!
Mike - Please keep him.
Rob - The outside practice is the best thing I have ever done next to posting my daily blog.
Hey Peter! I was going through old emails and found a link to this site. That woman raking (or sweeping) is me! This is so fun! I just showed the painting to my kids, and they think this is wonderful. I'll be posting a link to this painting on my facebook site today. Thanks- Rachel
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