Plein Air - oh how I miss you

Last week I went up to Evergreen Colorado to paint with some mountain artist friends. It was a glorious fall day. We were fortunate enough to have access to a private retreat location that was previously a camp for girls. Bear Creek ran through the property, it was well kept and just an amazing spot to have all to ourselves (with the exception of one lone workman). My first one was done from one of the bridges crossing Bear Creek. We are not talking high art here, but rather a study. The bridge was concrete and I can only stand on concrete for so long so I whipped this thing out concentrating on large shapes of color and hoping to get a bit of the movement of light and water. I had found this masonite panel laying around the day before so I quickly gessoed it to take along with me. It has been a long time since I painted on masonite and even with gesso it was a slick and slippery surface. Always fun to have extra challenges along with painting outdoors. The paint just did not want to stick to the surface. A bad brush contributed to the struggle.

Upper Bear Creek, oil, 8x12

This second one (and of the 4 of us I was the only one to do 2, telling you how fast I did the above study) I found a chair so was able to take a load off my legs and sit in the shade. There was this long out building that was full of fun shapes the whole length of it which I may someday play with in its entirety. I chose to crop this bit off for a myriad of reasons. Of course I loved the truck door leaning against the wall as well as the pink doormat to go with it. That it is a Wash House only added to it and of course the diagonal ladder and the yellow whatever it is diagonal was an extra treat.

Wash House, 9x12, oil on panel

Being Catholic I love the idea of this retreat house. It is a perfect place to go and be with God in all his handiwork. Peaceful with one way in and one way out. Come on your horse, there is a hitching post. We were allowed access to all the buildings  with the one caveat to be sure all doors were closed! Oh my. To paint outdoors and have toilets and running water is always a bonus. The Lodge is beautifully furnished and includes a game room. I could not interest anyone in a game of fuss ball much to my chagrin. I do hope to get a chance to go back there, sooner than later. Already have my spots picked out. Another reminder to get my butt in gear and paint outdoors more often.