I
thought I might title this post "Waking up and Getting Out" or perhaps a
"Long Winter's Nap" since it has been a while since I have posted
anything. I have had a much needed break from blogging while I take care of my personal health.
It does seem
like it has been a long winter here in the Pacific Northwest. This past
week we have had two major storms with hurricane force winds blow
through here. This winter there has been flooding, landslides, sinkholes
that shut down Hwy 101, the main road that goes along the coast,
thunder, lightning, hail and fury! I took the above photo yesterday
during my morning walk on the beach. I love the wildness and I get out
everyday!
I have also
been learning to love being in the studio this winter. It took me a
while. We were so spoiled last year with such a warm winter, unlike the
previous winter in the Eastern part of the country. I was able to spend
a lot of time painting outdoors last winter. I am finally getting the
hang of using this studio time for purposeful study. Here is a recent
study:
© 2016 R.L. Delight, Study in Textures, 6"x6". oil on panel
These are
not the best photos as I was experimenting with several things such as
mediums and paint handling on this study. It is a bit challenging to
photograph until it dries. I have also been drawing and have gone out a
few times when the weather breaks to paint plein air. I made a recent
trip to Bend, Oregon to visit family and had a chance to go to Smith
Rock State Park to paint. Oh my! What a stunning place! So different
then the coast but no less beautiful.
Here is my plein air study. I was very much overwhelmed but I have enough info to do finished painting from this study:
© 2016 R.L. Delight, Smith Rock State Park Study, 12"x9", oil on panel
Finally, the
"getting out" part. I am so excited this year to be joining two
wonderful groups of plein air painters. I have joined the Plein Air
Painters of Oregon (PAPO) and the Plein Air Painters of Washington
(PAWA). I have several opportunities to get out to paint several
incredible spots with these groups. Starting next month, I will be
painting at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument for a weekend at
the Clarno Unit, http://www.nps.gov/joda/clarno_unit.htm,
with PAPO. May will find me at Stehekin, WA with PAWA for a weekend. I
cannot tell you how excited I am to get to both of these spots,
particularly Stehekin. After having lived in Washington for 25 years, it will
be my first time there. I have always wanted to go there and somehow
never got around to it. I will also be heading up to a paintout in a
week and a half at Nisqually, WA with PAWA as well as a fantastic trip
to Mt Baker/Mt Shuksan in the fall. I will be get getting over to the
Olympic Peninsula to paint. There will be paintouts with PAPO as well
sprinkled in here and there.
No worries! I
won't be neglecting my little corner of the Oregon Coast either. I will
be getting out every chance I have and spending stormy days studying in
the studio. After this past week of brutal wind storms, the next few
days will bring a bit of almost-spring sunshine. I will be getting out
and posting the results so stay tuned!
-Renee
No comments:
Post a Comment