This afternoon I drove to the place I had planned to paint the other day, when I brought home the kitty instead. I drove 37 miles and set up next to a big field with haybales. I painted haybales last week from an old photograph and I really needed to get out there and paint from life.
It was 100 degrees here, but I set out anyway. I’m always a little nervous about painting plein air on my own, especially when I’m outside the crowded city limits of Houston. I left a note for my husband so in case I didn’t return, the police would have something to go on. Go ahead and laugh . . . a car pulled up next to me and a man got out and walked over to me. Okay, his wife was in the car and I could have taken him anyway, he was not a large man, but it made me a little nervous when the car stopped. All this is to say you can’t be too careful.
I spent an hour painting the field, haybales and distant trees. I remembered there being shade at this particular place, but I got that wrong. No shade. I put on my big straw hat, turned my easel so at least the canvas wasn’t in the sun and got busy. It’s a quick study, I was just focusing on trying to get the colors down. I had so much fun though, painting outdoors really is addicting.
Nice little study. The colors are so soft.
The safety issue is one to consider, especially when out by yourself. For me, the 100 degree weather would keep me inside!
There is an upside and a downside to that painting alone thing. Upside–concentration! No hobbyist yammering on next to you about their car insurance. Downside–well, that guy could have bopped you right over the head. lol.
I like the painting–you “captured the day”.
Good idea about the note.