Painting In A Favorite Spot. Pastel & Oil Work

I return again and again to this particular spot to paint. This area is a balance between nature and man's interjection. The curve of the road...the trees that change from season to season. The colors are always shifting. I endeavor to try to embrace the moment.

And, most importantly, there is a nice pull out to set up my painting gear off the road.

This trip, I am working with some small pastel pieces. These will be "sketches" for larger studio works. On this day, I did one pastel, and followed with one small oil on canvas.

It was a nice spring day.

Pastel on paper

Setting up my kit to oil

 

Janelle usually takes photos, then she'll head out for a walk.

We'll be watching the leaves all come out on the various trees and shrubs over the next couple of weeks, so I'll most likely return for the different view.

A perfect spot to paint, and not too many cars come by.

Just keeping it loose here.

Waiting for Janelle to return to get a nice last photo before I put it all away.

Two completely different takes on the same scene.
I'm happy with these.

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Painting Again In Umbria...First Time Out, 2024

It's always hard to get started painting, but I have to start somewhere.

Between getting the studio in shape and making certain I have my supplies in order, it takes time.

Then there is the weather element. It's been cold, wet and windy, like it can be in March.

This week, we have seen the start of Primavera, and it has given me some sunny and almost warm days.

I finally got out to do some plein-air work.

There is always so much stuff to haul around. I often just stay by the car, but on this first time out, we hiked a fair distance with all the supplies one needs to get the job done.

 

I set up to paint, Janelle takes photos, then she settles in with a book.

 It's a lot to organize and keep together.

So lucky and grateful to have this ongoing opportunity to work here in Umbria.

Just some of the stuff...

I still need to get more painting supplies, so we will be heading to Florence soon. I plan to do some more painting while we are there.

Getting the first piece done. It's always a relief. I hope I can get out again asap.

Not bad. Nice and loose. I'm pleased.