Outdoor Itch

Here in the upper Midwest we don't count on springtime's arrival until March, but even so, warm days set my fingers itching to be outside painting. December and January were cold, and the first half of February too. But a few days above freezing, some sunshine, and plein air beckons. The last time I managed some time outside was the first day of December. It was cold, and windy, but the air was crystalline and trees along the river were still holding colorful foliage. Th bright sun made them glow.

"North of the Park," oil on panel, 9x12

This particular spot is by the Raccoon River, just north of Gray's Lake. As usual, I toned the panel with a thin wash of burnt sienna, then sketched the composition with the same color. In my experience the best way forward after lay-in is to block big masses of color, then smaller and smaller ones as the picture is refined. In particular I try hard not to focus too closely on minute details in any one place until the time comes for a few tiny strokes at the end.