Plein-air and me? Oh man… I thought I would share some pics and struggles from the last week.
Last week Aaron Schuerr was here for a 4-day plein-air workshop. He was the second artist in the “Master Series” I am setting up along with Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley which is not far from downtown Pittsburgh. He is a master artist from Montana and is very well- respected and represented in the western part of the country. I was honored and happy to study with him last week. Here are some photos from my struggles and successes.
Here are a few of his originals…
We learned the value of measuring the scene out!
His first demo…
Then we were off the next day to paint “up a creek”… we found the best bridge…
I feel like this quote sums out how to paint this fast from life. Yes, there is planning… note the many value studies… but for me it was a challenge in letting go and going after the “immediacy.” A tough thing for someone who likes to layer… and layer… and play… and play… in my dusty pastels… and a brush? It has been a long time since I felt proficient with one. But after playing around with a few Rosemary brushes that I have and then seeing the larger ones he has I may have to invest in a few more.
I had years ago when I lived outside of Mobile, Alabama belong to their plein air group. And like you it was for me unfamiliar territory. Heat, humidity, fire ants, wind and even an incline on a hill caused havoc. The experience enlightened me to learn more about my art process and challenged my internal dialogue to what is my art process and not necessarily what I need to produce. The experience and development is on going!
🙂
Thank you. Well read.
Awesome class from a master!
🙂
Your painting looks beautiful! So glad you gave plein air such an effort, and a successful one at that; and I’m so sorry that I was off to western Canada at the very same time you were holding this workshop.
We are having a plein air event in Cumberland, Maryland next year; I think June 15 to 20. Maybe you’ll decide to apply and get into the mix!
cool! something to strive for!