Now we are in March I am ready for the snow to leave. But, when I can face the cold, I do love to paint the landscape at this time of year.
February 6th – Mark suggested I try a different area of Thompson Pond to set up. The location was further from where we parked the car than either of us expected and I was, – well, grumpy. The snow was deep on the path and we were schlepping my stuff. Perhaps the key word here is “we”…
Well, we finally found the spot but it was too breezy to set up my larger easel so I placed the canvas board flat on a bench – hence the photo of me looking like I am casting a spell. As I completed the picture I wanted to see it from a distance. I propped it up against a tree and we declared it a success. And then it blew over – face down, in gravel and forest detritus. Mark ran off. For some unknown reason I was reasoned and calm. I picked off the little stones and twigs and reworked the surface. I was happy with the final result. Miracles do happen.
February 6th – Following a fortifying burger in Pine Plains, we returned to a more familiar spot – very close to the car…
February 7th – The next painting I did through the window – a sort of faux plein air? It was getting dark and I had to paint quickly – but I wasn’t cold.
February 21st – Back outside, and perhaps it shows. A glorious morning for painting piles of ploughed up snow.
February 21st – When I remember to take photographs during the process of painting I am sometimes surprised how a picture began.
As always the details fascinate me. They frequently communicate far more directly the experience, the enquiry and the struggle, as well as the pleasure when a mark “clicks”.
The best part of this endless, gloomy winter are your paintings.
Thank you so much!!
I love these paintings Mike, particularly ‘twilight’
Thank you. Always interesting to see which pictures people are drawn to. Mx
All simply marvelous! Especially the light!!
Thank you! XOX