It’s howling winds and just pissing down with rain as I write. From this evidence I must gather Winter is really here. Because I’m feeling rather cold, I thought it was time to share my last plein air excursion of the summer with you. I have to say that’s it for me painting outside until some warmer weather returns or I go find some!
Once again, I was on an outing with my Dad while my Mum stayed home to work on a portrait commission. It was another bright but hazy day in late September and we were out at the worst time for great light and shadow ie noon! After driving about trying to find a place to paint, we headed back to Sharpe Road where I had worked plein air on another pastel earlier in the season.
You can see this piece framed up at Peninsula Gallery, Sidney, BC.
Plein-air paintings are a bit like short poems. These poems are not deep and heavy but more light and breezy. A good poet might write a bunch of them and throw away more than a few. A plein-air painting is rough and reveals a good deal more about the artist than a studio job.
~ Paul deMarrais
Then there’s Degas’s view on plein air!!:
If I were in the government I would have a brigade of policemen assigned to keeping an eye on people who paint landscapes outdoors. Oh, I wouldn’t want anyone killed. I’d be satisfied with just a little buckshot to begin with.
~ Edgar Degas
That’s all for now!
Thanks for stopping by and having a look.
~ Gail
PS. On a totally different topic, check out this incredible dancing woman whoever she is. I wish for the same energy, balance, flexibility, gumption, rhythm, and all round amazingness when I am her age …actually I wish it for right now!!
2 thoughts on “One last taste of summer – plein air painting on Salt Spring Island”
As I look outside at a very grey scene complete with slanting rain, I enjoyed viewing your delightfully sunny scene on Sharpe road. Thanks for warming me up!
B.
Ain’t you da sweetest! Glad you could feel the rays
Thanks for commenting 🙂
G