Plein Air #1: The Speaking Rocks

“Just look around,” the instructor said.

“Find something that speaks to you.

The sandy orange beach,

 the tall pine on the

green-brown outcrop of land.

 Here. Watch me.

Make a telescope of your hand.”

So I followed his direction,

but the beach was void of life

and the tree stood, solemn and alone.

Then  . . . I saw two rocks

begin their morning swim—

or so they said to me.

The smaller stone ran fast ahead

of its shadow fallen just behind

and looking back a crevice smiled

on the greater boulder by his side

wading in, slow and deep.

The sun was gold and purple-green

playing catch in shadows on the pond

and those two rocks

they stayed that day,

long after we were gone.

Notes from Artists' Network Free Weekend Videos

I love free trials. I hate when they end. One day, perhaps, I'll be able to subscribe for 6 months and get to watch the ones I want as much and as often as I'd like.  Here are the notes from Pastel Techniques in Plein Air. In an upcoming post I will recount my first true plein air experience. It ain't like paintin' in the backyard.  I hope between these notes, Preston's directions and beginning experience that I'll eventually graduate to plein air--I think I need to aspire to an apple. I think that would be a fitting plein air for me. :-)

NOTES: 

Pastel Techniques for Plein Air Painting with Stephanie Birdsall

Dress in Neutral colors

Large shapes

Move horizon line if too close to center

Look at values--dark/light; dark/light

Consider alcohol to go over initial block in; not heavy, don’t want to lose tooth--dampen large brush; tap on paper towel so it’s not too wet; help create block in or under painting with the alcohol

Try ampersand or kitty wallis paper

What a good point: you should not have someone have to ask you what time of day your painting is; it should be obvious

Also, get darks down and they will direct the painting --yep, yep. That is what preston did yesterday, and what I did, to a lesser degree.

Trust yourself. [MY note to me]

Lay in a under painting in a monochromatic color, like brown, as in yesterday or sienna or whatever

After the under painting, begin working dark to light in the local color

Value Studies #2 and #3

I promised myself that I would continue the value studies and while I've struggled, I believed I've learned. Too bad I didn't begin this pursuit a few years ago (say, when I was 20). I believe that if I'd been practicing and learning the past 40 years, I might may a journeyman. Lol.

There isn't much time to post, as I am waiting on "my ride," as soon as he gets out of the gym, so I'll just offer pix and add commentary later:

Value Study #2:

Value Study #3:

Reflection on an EARLY Monday Morning

There are times when the conscious part of my brain  tells me to sit down and begin the story that's rumbling around, though it has not yet taken complete form, but there is another, deeper rumbling in the folds of mymind. Instead of beginning a writing "assignment" for writers' group, I found myself  composing something completely different. which came out more effortlessly than what  I planned. Lol. I can't help but chuckle at myself. Perhaps later I can can get back to my "assignment," if my impish muse allows. 

Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned at Generations Gallery
(With apologies to Robert Fulghrum)

1. Show, don't tell--whether it's writing, painting, dancing or any other art
2. "Big" words are not always the best words
3. There are no mistakes, only opportunities for learning
4. Think like a child: kids are better at accepting criticism & discouragement than adults; they start over; we give up
5. You're never, ever too old to try something new and wonderful
6. Accept people with love and kindness, for who they are, here and now, without preconceived expectations and they'll surprise you every time
7. Art--writing, painting, sketching, dancing--equals personal joy and satisfaction, complete unto itself and is a part of the spirit, where lies a divine happiness that nothing and no one can diminish
8. A community of artists in conversation is even better than . . . chocolate.
9. "Home" is where the soul finds joy, contentment and creativity.
10. Life interferes with art--but does not negate its importance.