For one reason or another, it’s been a bit of a slow start to my plein-air work this year. Things only shaped up in July after the finish of the Spring Term at the Ottawa School of Art. So far, I’ve managed 4 little sketches going out and about, exploring the environs.
I’m not a plein-air purist and from time-to-time finish-up works in the studio. For me, the most important part is to make a substantial start in-situ. Having acquired the eye for a scene, a little follow-on work is fine – as long as I keep the approach fresh. I invariably take a reference photo, although very rarely making much use of it, if at all. Finishing the picture is the thing, not adding more detail!
This said, the pieces I’ve finished on site invariably rank among my very favorites. They feel of the time and place……
Two of these recent studies were completed on the spot, the other 2 ended up back in the studio. Can you tell which? Let me know and perhaps why!
I’ll publish the answers in a few days!
Join us in Wakefield this August for one of our plein-air and studio drawing and painting courses. Details are found on the courses page of my website!
The bicyclists and the cemetery seemed to say all they need to say.
Great to hear from you Bonnie! I like these two for the much the same reasons….they appeal to my minimalist streak. David Milne said “All detail is to increase interest in parts of the picture and so distract from the thrill of the whole.” I like this quote as it guides our intent, shining a light on a trade-off that as painters we all wrestle. David
Hi David,
I’m thinking that the Cimetière and Parc Lac Leamy paintings may have been completed in the studio because of the details. I especially like the Looking south from the Masson Flea Market though.
Hi Diane, Glad you liked the Masson view. I chose the view south from the car park, as looking north…to the Flea market itself… was of course considerably busier! Very sound logic for the studio-fixed works…I’ll reveal all shortly! David