Monday, August 16, 2010

Daily Painting Practice - Plein Air Painting at Lauritzen Gardens

I had a great day painting plein air yesterday. There was an art event at the  Lauritzen Gardens here in Omaha and a group of us (plein air painters)  acted as  props for the garden tourists to  oooohhhh and ahhhh at.  It was a two day event  but I only painted Sunday. The weather was beautiful, with highs in the 80's not the scorching upper 90's of the past few weeks.


I painted this group of Hostas planted in the shade.

Most of the time I enjoy hearing the comments from people behind me while I paint. Especially when parents try to explain to their children, what it is I am doing .

"Oh look dear, there is an artist. Isn't it beautiful? Look at how he paints with a brush. It's just like your paintings from pre-school."

At those times, I must admit, I begin to feel a little bit of pressure. Here I am at a critical point in this  child's life.  I could be representing this kid's introduction to the "Arts". His entire early art appreciation development is in my hands. How do I explain to a 4 year old that I am only just beginning and he shouldn't judge me or my work at this point,

"This is the under painting... I actually do more than these few lines and scribbles... I am only mapping ..."

The kid turns and looks away. I am about as interesting as the shade. He sees another child with a can of soda and runs off.

   We have lost another generation.


Hostas in the Shade
9"x12"

Oh well, I had fun coloring yesterday.

5 comments:

jimserrettstudio said...

Nice work, very fresh and loose, but still descriptive.

It is just hard to compete with sugar - soda.

Marilyn M. King said...

You certainly captured the essence of the moment. Your story also captured the behind the scene moment. Very artfully told.

Erik van Elven said...

Great story and I really like the painting. I hope my kids will develop a fondness of painting when they grow up. Maybe you should do a painting of a can of soda and place that next to your easyl next time :)

Kathy Jurek said...

ROFTL

judith said...

Amazing work done.... the first one really look great especially the shades. canvas photos