We Got Snow.
After a few warm winter months, we finally got snow on the U.S East Coast. I have to admit that I love snow and I love to paint scenes of snow. The muted colors in the landscape and white snow with long shadows are beautiful and suit my taste. In my first blog post, I talked about my latest passion: plein air painting, which is to paint outdoors on location. In the winter, however, it may not be that easy. On one occasion, the brushes became frozen solid, the paint became a slush despite 70% alcohol in the water bucket. Luckily, the day finally came where the conditions seemed to be just perfect. After a cold morning, the sun came out and no wind. It was time to try it again.
Geared up in layers of clothes, snow boots and snow trousers, off I went to the painting site.
I was struggling with the light. It was too bright; ok, I put my sunglasses on. I have never used sunglasses while painting before, would it work? How much alcohol was needed in the painting water today? There was no given answers, just trial and error.
After about two hours, when I was looking at my finished painting, I was very happy with the result. In my judgement this is my best plein air painting so far. This day gave me more inspiration than I could ever imagine. So many ideas transformed into paintings on my easel when I got back to my studio.
To sum it up. Don't be afraid to try something new. It may widen your painting experience, and may give results and inspiration that you never thought would be possible.
"Old Barn in January" Winter plein air painting
"Winter Shadow" Studio painting
"The Blue Water Barrel" Studio painting
"Reclaimed By Nature" Studio Painting
