Painting #97: Plein Air- Bethany Park (Allen, Texas)

Please see below

It is amazing, what a little park can yield in terms of composition. I really don’t have to wander very far away for a beautiful composition. This was a very beautiful and nicely tucked away Aqueduct in the Bethany Park of Allen, Texas. I am getting the hang of painting outside (Plein Air). I am slowly developing a rhythm in setting up and painting. I am beginning to enjoy Plein Air more than Still life now.

I am starting a mini-ritual I think, I will paint for an hour on my way home from work, whenever, time, mood and home permits. This park is very close to home so it makes it even more tempting.

Size: 5"x7". Time 2.5hours (over 2 days). Please see below

Please provide your feedback… Thanks

I'm not sure about this one. It doesn't really catch my attention but I can't say whether it's the subject or the painting. I think it may be the painting as it seems very "flat" even though you have some lovely shadows - it just doesn't pop like so many of your other paintings.

I like the reflections and the bridge area, they are very good in colour and value. The tree at the top pulls me very strongly, because of the unusual shape of the tree area. This might sound 'wacky', but I wonder if you moved the tree to the top left, if it would bring our eye in line with the bridge and grass?

Cool that you are painting outdoors! It's so challenging, to choose a visual composition out of 'the entire world', then paint it for an hour at a time! Keep at it, you are leading the way for us!!

The painting is very well done, but like Jan says, it just seems flat. Sometimes we have to add things into nature even though they are not there such as some colors to break the amount of green. I'm sure that there is much added color in Texas at this time of year, tiny hints of at least a third color might help.

Thanks a lot, to all of you, for your response, it means a lot to me as it makes me think and grow…

Believe it or not…. until this morning I was thinking this is the best Plein Air I have done so far and pictured myself as a total legend in my mind… having a Don Quixotic moment,… where I was teaching Richard Schmidt the nuances of painting… . Now that you guys have deflated my ego a little , I find myself closer to earth,… I am going to think about this piece of work… .

Guess What? I am going to hit Painting #100 soon. Will you guys be throwing a party for me?

Well, it's good to see that you're good at writing as well as painting!

Thanks Crystal… you are too kind.

Yes, party planning has begun! 12:35:31 2014-08-23  
yee haaawww (is that Texan enough, ha ha)

Around here, plein air involves mosquito repellant, sunscreen, tolerance for friendly viewing public, and a raincoat! Keep up the plein air, and best of luck as you approach your 'first "century" pf painting!

Thanks Alan… Looking forward to the party…

I went out for a Plein Air painting session today,which I had to cut short because a swarm of fire ants were all over my equipment… thank God, I did not get bit. So I cut my trip short and will resume tomorrow….

Didn't mean to deflate you ego. It was very well done. I just mentioned about other colors in the green because I remember early paintings of mine which only had blues, grays and whites. Then someone told me to add subtle touches of other colors like yellows and magenta, and when I did the painting just popped.

Can't wait for the party. We talked earlier about how long you have been painting. I hope Alan meant number of paintings, not years.

Quote :

best of luck as you approach your 'first "century" of painting!

Please guys,… don't feel bad. I "demand" honest feedback from you guys. Anything less will hurt my feelings.

I had to write all the above to share what was going through my mind and I thought it would be comical… and we need a little humor in life… SO DO NOT FEEL BAD OR APOLOGISE. I have learnt volumes from you all… by what you say and don't say… You guys are dispensing free art instruction,… Suckers!…

Please make sure to have a balloon drop at the party for the first century… . Also a Tiramisu Cake, and oh! oh! how about a Piniata filled with brushes, paints and art nick necks…

correction: Knick Knacks..

In your dreams!

Awwww, you're too good for us to have deflated your ego! Besides, don't you think even Richard Schmidt has the occasional painting that isn't as well-received as most? Just remember that most of your paintings get extra high marks from us!

Tiramisu Cake? Definitely count me in for the party!!!!! Wow! 100 paintings already? That really does deserve a party!!!

BTW - it's a little late now, but have you seen the resin infused Guerrilla card stock for oil painting? I think Jerry's Artarama has the best price I've seen but here's a link to the company:

http://www.guerrillapainter.com/panels.html

I take it they're used for plein air and just practice or studies in general although I guess they could be framed as it says they're pretty much archival.

Just thought you might like to know since you're doing so much plein air now.

Yes! 2 more and 100 it is... actually it has been more, but I have posted 100 on this forum.

These panels look interesting... thanks for sharing,... I am always looking for a new surface to paint on. Looking for that perfect surface.