Plein Air Rock Cut

Plein Air June 30, 2011 #1, OIl on Canvas Panel 6" x 8"

Plein Air June30, 2011 #2, Oil on Canvas Panel 6" x 8"

This past winter, on a mild, sunny afternoon, I took Clawed for a walk in Rock Cut State Park. Along the way, I found an interesting spot along a creek. At the time, I thought that this might be a good spot to paint in the summer.

A few days ago, I took Clawed with me to paint at Rock Cut. At 7:00am it was already 80 degrees and getting warmer. I wanted to keep it to a short paint session. I decided to find that same spot along the creek. After parking the car, I put my paint box on my shoulder, carried my supply bucket in one hand and with my other hand, I held my tripod and Clawed’s leash. A full load. Problem is that the path and creek looked a lot different with the trees and bushes in full foliage. I missed my spot. By the time I realized that we had walked too far and backtracked, I was soaked with sweat.

After finding the spot, I was disappointed. I had anticipated a better inspiration. Perhaps this spot would be better when illuminated with late day sun. Not wanting to spend a lot of time looking for material, I set up my gear and set to painting anyway. After completing the first work, I packed up and was preparing to drag my gear and Clawed to find another spot in the park for painting. But then inspiration hit. I liked the view of the sun and shadows across the path. Set up everything again and get another painting going.

After I finished the second painting, I packed up and dragged the gear and Clawed back to the car. I headed home to spend the afternoon painting in my studio while Clawed spent most of the day recovering from the mornings experience.