South of Marsden

Having got on a bit of a roll recently, drawing and painting, I decided to try a studio piece based on a plein air oil sketch that I'd done earlier in the year. After my first pass at this I posted it on Wet Canvas as a 'work in progress' and I received some good feedback in terms of how it might be improved. After incorporating these I am starting to feel that it is moving towards a finish, so here it is. As with all these works, I like to sit back for a while before deciding that it is finished. I always welcome any criticism or suggestion about pieces that I post.

South of Marsden - Oil on canvas board 20" x 16"

Fresh Air at Last

My frustration at not getting out to paint had begun to irritate me and the first rain free day that came along saw me pack the plein air kit and head for my favourite stretch of coast. Light conditions were variable, my technique really rusty but the sheer pleasure of splashing oil paint in the fresh air made up for it all.

As I said the technique is rusty, meaning that the myriad decisions that need to be taken during the painting process were taking a lot longer than would normally be the case. That means problems with the changing light. It takes confidence to map a lighting plan at the start and stick to it regardless of the changes that are taking place in front of you. The constant observation required to paint sends all sorts of conflicting messages between the scene and what has made it onto the canvas. Nevertheless I went home with a certain amount of contentment having made it out at last.

Marsden Beach - Oil on canvas board 12" x 10"

Fresh Air

Yesterday provided the first bit of excitement for a while - a promising weather forecast. The gales were predicted to die and the sun was to emerge for those of us who like to get outside with our paints. True to their word the Met Office got it right, today dawned as foretold.

It took no time to pack the trusty pochade box, a few tubes of paint and head up the coast to one of my favourite stacks. Whilst a little bit rusty with the hog bristle and palette knife it was good to start working the oil paint for the first time in some months.

Now that the tubes have been squeezed I'm hoping that there are going to be a few more days like today so I can start to get my technique into shape.

Marsden - Oil on canvas board 12" x 10"