Plein Aire in a Blue Springs Garden

These two paintings are studies done in a Blue Springs Garden during the BS Historical Garden Tour. The first is the cloud study I did while watching the impending storm descend upon us. The second painting is a vignette of a little corner of the garden.

These are just two of the paintings done in the garden. The weather was around 90 degrees but there was a great breeze which helped keep me cool. I painted under a nice shade tree on the property. When the storm finally broke in full force, I had packed up most of my equipment the car. Just when the rain came down in buckets, I carried my french easel back to the car where I broke down the legs under the cover of the hatch. My equipment stayed dry but I was soaked on my back and head. Suddenly, the temperature dropped to 68 degrees. Needless to say, I got cooled off quickly. Oh, the joys of painting in plein aire.

Happy painting,

Jennylynne

Taking a chance

Sometimes we artists get in ruts. We want to stay in our comfort zones and not venture out into uncharted waters. Well, this week at a workshop, I decided to branch out and take a chance. I am reacquainting myself with oils after a long hiatus. I have done portraits and figurative work in pastels for years now and that is my comfort zone. On the encouragement of my instructor, I tried this painting from a photo he had in his stack.

My fears proved to be unfounded. What I learned is that if you have good basics in other mediums, you can try new mediums with a modicum of success. So I encourage all of you to try a medium that is new to you and see how far you can take it. Good luck and have fun!

Jennylynne

First Oil of my favorite pond

I often paint this pond at Blue Springs Lake area. The pond lies in a quiet area just up from the bigger lake. I intend to paint this pond is all seasons, to see how it changes thru the seasons.

Oil paintings is the same as pastels, in that, you apply the color the same-from dark to light. Unlike pastel, the more paint you get on the canvas, the easier it is to lay in additional layers.

Hope you enjoy the view!

Jennylynne