Daily Painting Practice - Plein Air Test Flight

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Marge Painting in John's Garden

9"x12"

oil on masonite panel

This week I gave my new Plein Air box a trial run. I had wanted to show photos of the process but my camera decided to quit on me (that's a post for another day). Anyway, my painting friends Marge and John decided to get together at John's house and paint plein air. Perfect timing, I thought, to test drive the new gear.

A few bumps and mis-steps, but much like Spring training for baseball players, I expected to see these. Over all, it felt very comfortable and I like the results. Here are a few of the mis-steps;

• Half of the Turps I brought in my back pack leaked out of the gasketed "leak proof" can I purchased. Luckily I had it packed in a plastic bag.

• I loosened one of the screws too much on the bar that raises the panel, before reading the little fine printed label that says "don't loosen the screw too much".

• My camera quit on me! (this must be traumatic because I keep repeating it).

• I was standing on the neighbor's lawn and painting just as that neighbor decided to have her lawn sprinkler system tested for Spring. ( thank God oil paints are water proof... artists aren't)

Over all a great time!

Daily Painting Practice - graduating to new Plein Air gear

Like other businesses, all up and coming artists need to invest in new equipment every now and then. I was lucky enough to sell a painting recently and used the funds to buy a new plein air kit.  I researched a lot on the web and  decided on the EASy-L  Lite (by Art Essentials). I like the smaller size and the the fact that it comes with the Tripod. I also purchased the stainless steel brush wash cup  and a plein air umbrella.

Out with the old and in with the new. I can't say I will miss my old Duct Taped box. The new box does not come with a palette, so I am using a masonite panel that is toned and  coat with Liquin. I will store my paints in a bag and not in the box. Take a close look ... this is the last time it will look this clean.

Everything fits into this  back pack... Well almost everything. I still haven't unpacked the umbrella, but I am sure I can make it fit...maybe a little Duct Tape will help.

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Back to the North Woods - work still in progress

24"x30"

oil on canvas

I need to get some feedback from my art critics "The Group of Four" then I can call this finished. I already see some things to touch up.  Can't wait to try my new gear in the North Woods.