Thunderhawk Plein Air

Here is another one that I did from the photos I took of the Thunderhawk Plein Air Session.
Been under the weather a bit, not feeling well and have not painted for a few days until today.
Fun painting these simple landscapes with pen and watercolor washes. Used Arches hot press 140 lb paper, approx. size 7 x 11.

Plein Air Session-what a great way to learn!

Yesterday, I met the plein air group from the Lake County Art League at the Thunderhawk golf range in Zion. What a beautiful place. Chris Tanner, our fearless leader of the group, arranged for the plein air group to have access to this facility for the morning. The group met at 9:00 am and by 9:40 am we were off photographing and painting out on the course. We were provided golf carts to help us get to the beautiful nature scenes on several of the holes. I took over 97 photos. Between the water and the trees, there was plenty of beautiful shots to take. I did the painting of the milkweed seed pods when I got home, it's a watercolor on hot press paper. Thank you Bonnie for the paper! The watercolor scene of one of the marshes I did at the plein air session is still being worked on. I of course over did it when I got home and am not sure if I like what I did. Okay, I'll post it for you to see.

Also the first one is a photo I took that I just love.

After we did our thing out on the golf course, we all met back at the cafe' and talked about what we did out in the field. Having these pow-wows afterwards are what makes plein air such a wonderful learning tool. We all critique each others work and get to hear what others think about the art. It's also a good way to meet other artists and meet new friends. I just love it! Can't wait for the next meeting.

What happened? It Got Cold Again!

Well, I thought spring was on its way, but I think it's going to take a little bit longer to finally settle in. Yesterday it was 66 degrees and today, BURR! I just hope it comes soon.

Yesterday I did a few little watercolor paintings. I am trying to discipline myself to have more patience with the watercolor paints. Giving them time to dry and letting them flow were they need to before I go messing them up has always been a problem. This time I took my time and spaced out the layers so they dried.

These scenes were from a few days about a month back and the ground was starting to thaw, but the snow was still on the ground in places. Hope you enjoy. These are only 4 x 5 on Arches watercolor paper.

Is Spring on its way?

Today it will be in the 50's and hopefully spring is on the way. So tired of the cold and want to see my flowers. I painted this pastel last night, thinking about the colors of spring.