I was desperate to do a landscape after lots of still life's. My usual method would have been to use an sketch I'd made outside and then (in the comfort of the studio) paint a large long winded painting.
Today was so different. It was biting cold the wind was whipping into me, I had so many layers on I could barely move my arms to paint! I felt like I left my skills and sense in the studio so hard to think when the elements are battering you. The light changed quickly as I started painting so I put in the intense roof and shadows and remembered how the sky was (as it soon was grey.) I did think half way through why have I chosen a complex subject to begin with! I had made a small drawing last summer of this scene, it's just up the road from my studio, so I was a familiar with it. (see below)
After nearly an hour I had to go home, frozen but pleased. Grateful my efforts didn't result in a disaster! I plan to do a lot more outside painting, hopefully not all tough conditions like today.
This is my little 'Pochard' (easel with palette), which I've not used before. I used a limited range of colours: Ultramarine, Cadmium Yellow Lite, Cad Red, & Cobalt blue (the 'Primaries.)
February 3rd - I always think the worse month of winter but the sun shone for awhile so you ventured forth. And what a result! Exquisite balance and detail.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed. Great brush strokes and you have captured the scene beautifully I can feel how chilly it must have been just by looking at it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat, I'm pleased you like it!
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ReplyDeleteWell done Clare on your first outside landscape 'for many years'. It sounds like a mission to keep warm?! I'm not sure how you managed to paint with it being so very cold but the end result is excellent. You've captured the 'typical English scene' superbly. I can just imagine plumes of smoke coming out of those chimneys not long after you finished! Excellent, well done.
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