It’s cloud’s illusion I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all..Joni Mitchell
June afternoon, Niagara escarpment, oil on canvas, 12x24in, sold
We have had some absolutely beautiful June days here. Cool
and clear with big billowy clouds playing in the wind.
Yesterday it was too
windy to fight with my easel if I were to
work standing up, yet I wanted to do
some observational studies. I opted to work small-and sitting down-and have a radio flyer
wagon just for such occasions. I load it up with my usual painting gear but also
bring along bungie cords and rocks. I can sit my full box easel across the top
without opening the legs, then I simply place weights behind it. The rest of
the wagon is used as a table and I can just ‘enjoy the ride’ without worrying
about my easel falling over and my canvas escaping. Obviously I can't take this set up off location but it works perfectly when painting close to home.
Having said that, when we went out for our evening plein air
class we did have larger canvases so
because of the wind we tied our easels to trees and chairs –managing to avert a
few potentially dangerous gusts. Nothing worse than laying in that perfect
stroke and having the wind pushing in from behind to move that stroke where it is
not welcome.
So, a few small sketches and above, last year’s June clouds.
(and yes, those specks in the paintings are wee bugs)
(and yes, those specks in the paintings are wee bugs)
June afternoon sketch 1, 8x10in, acrylic on canvas, 2012
June afternoon sketch 2, acrylic on gessoed card, 4x6in, 2012
June afternoon sketch 3, acrylic on gessoed card, 4x6in, 2012
