Today was my first day plein air painting with Maty Hoffman. Our morning started of misty and chilly with a little rain. Mary gave us a wonderful demonstration and then it was our turn to give it a go.
After we thawed out. We went inside and slurped some coffee and tea. I put on some fuzzy socks and was ready to go. But go where was the question. I wandered in circles a bit and then chose the view off the balcony by my room. It was protected from the wind and had a great view of the “gap,” an interesting peek toward the ocean from the intercoastal waterway.
Finding a scene and place to set up was the easy part, apparently. I went to my car and brought my supplies up the two flights of stairs and began the rigmarole of setting up my easel and finding my paints and placing them on my palette. Everyone was busy with the same struggles in their prospective spaces.
I finally got everything ready and looked at the scene. Thankfully it was still pretty so I started sketching my panel with paint. I used alizarin crimson in the areas were I would paint green thinking it would be a nice contrast. It contributed to a rather purple sky, which although unintentional, I am not unhappy with. I had wanted to take more progress pictures so I could catch more of the awkward stages (believe me, there were a lot) I ended up being pretty pleased with the final piece.
I started another one but didn't quite finish. We had a nice sharing time at the end. It was fun seeing the paintings that everyone else did. I think everyone learned a lot.
Tomorrow we are going to the little town of McClellanville. Hopefully the weather will be nice. Either way, I know it will be a great day.
