Painting in January is often cold and snowy. Most days, I layer on the long underwear, fleece lined pants, gloves, hand warmers, hat and wool socks. And then there are days like today when temperatures rise into the 40s. The sun gently glowed through the clouds, lighting up the grasses … Read More
After sub-zero temperatures, it sure felt good to get back outside to do this “Snow Study”, the first painting of the year. Our plein air painting group met at the Environmental Learning Center along the Poudre River. We weren’t the only ones anxious to get out and enjoy the … Read More
This Friday’s Gallery Walk in Fort Collins, includes the final show of the year for the Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC). All year long, our PAAC group gathered to paint the landscape around Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park. Each year our friendships deepen, and a few new faces … Read More
I left the house just as the sky was beginning to lighten, wound my way up the Thompson Canyon, and bounced my way over the well worn highway to the Wild Basin turnoff in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moments later several other painters arrived. After morning greetings and chit chat, … Read More
My Coulter Easel arrived yesterday, and I immediately took it out for a trial run. Although I am new to oil painting, I’ve been painting en plein air with pastel for nearly a year. Having already learned several lessons about painting en plein air, I was ready to try my … Read More
What a year of plein air painting! Starting in January, with temps below freezing and the wind whipping through the air, I ventured out to join the Northern Colorado group of Plein Air Artists of Colorado. Each Friday, we met in a designated site to paint regardless of the rain, … Read More
It’s quite obvious. Anyone who has ever lived or spent time living seaside knows that saltwater causes rust. (Those of you who live and paint near the ocean are saying, “yeah, duh.”) I should know this too. I mean, technically, I did know. But, I didn’t really think about it, … Read More
Day 2 & 3 of the workshop gave us more time to paint and be outside as the weather continued to improve. I really wished that I didn’t have to drive 1.5 hours home as I would have loved to paint in the magic hour of the evenings. Here’s my … Read More
Last weekend is a blur. I spent three days in Highlands Ranch (just south of Denver) at a Plein Air workshop taught by Aaron Schuerr. The workshop was hosted by Terry Ludwig Pastels. Not only did we get a tour of the studio, but I picked up some new greens … Read More