Plein-Air Painting - The Freedom of Speed
Whether they were the French impressionists in search of light, or the Group of Seven who explored the power of the Canadian Landscape, or my artist friends and colleagues today, I have always admired plein-air painters for their ability to capture the essence of a scene with relative speed and in all kinds of weather. And there are few who cannot stand in awe of the immediacy and power boards painted by Tom Thomson, in my opinion the "king" of plein-air painters.
That said, I have never made a serious attempt until recently to paint outside my studio, where I have the luxury of time and a ton of materials to engage in a painting. And now, having started to make the attempt, I realize (what my plein-air enthusiast friends already know) that there are many decisions to be made long before heading out into the field. What to take? What to leave behind?
My first attempts were made on a trip to Arizona in January (2013), where my friend, Ted Yao, a committed plein-air painter, invited me to accompany him and his friends to a location in the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix. All I had with me was a set of pan pastels, a charcoal pencil and a small pad of pastel paper. Despite the early dawn chill, I completed a couple of sketches and took many photographs.
That said, I have never made a serious attempt until recently to paint outside my studio, where I have the luxury of time and a ton of materials to engage in a painting. And now, having started to make the attempt, I realize (what my plein-air enthusiast friends already know) that there are many decisions to be made long before heading out into the field. What to take? What to leave behind?
My first attempts were made on a trip to Arizona in January (2013), where my friend, Ted Yao, a committed plein-air painter, invited me to accompany him and his friends to a location in the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix. All I had with me was a set of pan pastels, a charcoal pencil and a small pad of pastel paper. Despite the early dawn chill, I completed a couple of sketches and took many photographs.
Early morning - Tonto National Forest
8 x 10" pan pastels on Canson paper |
Desert View - Tonto National Forest 8 x 10" pan pastels on Canson paper |
At the end of June (2013) I found myself in Haliburton with a week to amuse myself while Susan was on a course. I planned to spend the week painting outside at the Gull River (one of my favourite spots) and brought along a selection of oil paints and brushes, a portable easel, a drawing board and a box of Rembrandt pastels plus assorted surfaces. I admit I found the experience to be a more than a bit challenging - especially the morning when the heavens decided to open and dump a whole lot of water, just as I was beginning to paint. I like painting in oils, but still haven't got it right in terms of packing wet paintings or drying medium. Pastels were great, but not very friendly to spitting rain. But I am encouraged, and will continue to experiment.
The week's production is shown below.....
The week's production is shown below.....
Gull River Rapids
11 x 14" oil on canvas board |
Rapid 14 x 18" oil on canvas board |
Playing the Rapids 11 x 14" oil on canvas board |
While painting one morning, a kayaker was practicing his rolling and dumping. For a good hour or so, he paddled upstream into the rapids, rolled over, righted himself and went right back at it. The water was warm, and he was enjoying himself. I couldn't resist and dashed off a quick sketch
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Water in a Hurry 16 x 20' pastel on art board 
Holding it All Together 16 x 20" pastel on art board 
River Guardian 12 x 9" pastel on pastel board |
River Run 16 x 20" pastel on art board 
Gull River Dam 9 x 12" pastel on card 
White Water 9 x 12" pastel on card This is one of my favourite pieces done during the week. While working on the "River Guardian", kayakers and canners were shooting the rapids, and frequently I would see flashes of bright red or yellow kayaks as they streamed past. I used rapid strokes inspired by the rushing water to try to capture the excitement of the moment. |