Getting shadow down before they are gone

I was always threatened by the changing light and shadows when considering painting plein air. I was very dependent on photos to capture the shadow. But, I took the advise of people doing plein air on a regular basis and roughly painted in all dark areas first. It looked really weird, but when I started doing the trees, I knew exactly where one tree started and another one ended.

I found that I didn't worry about the shadows changing, because I had already marked their placement in. It meant that I didn't have to focus so much on tree placement as I painted, but more on what colors and shapes I was seeing.

I also found that I could compare values of light as I went along and make adjustments on the spot.

This could be addictive especially if the weather is as pleasant as it was today.

Judy

Judy, Thank you for sharing your findings on painting plein air! Sounds like a very good way of approaching a painting plein air.