PORTRAIT OF A TREE
Let me tell you the truth...
Ready?
I participated in a weeklong plus three days
Starry Night Plein Air Event
in
Corrales
New Mexico
The below painting is my
FAVORITE
But...
it couldn't be counted as plein air
as this crazy tree had a mind and limbs of its own
that didn't compute to any tree I knew
So tree and I fought
and I had to paint more than the maximum of the allowable 20% in the studio
Plein air paintings must be 80% done in fresh air.
 |
| Portrait of a Tree 12x9 Beautifully framed Click here to purchase. |
 |
| At 8 AM, I couldn't see the tree's shape What was behind the tree and what was the tree? |
 |
| Two days later I came back and took a photo of this apple tree from a kneeling position Ah...I see the limbs... Who trimmed this tree like this anyway????? Does it produce more apples if it is a caricature? Webster Dictionary: caricature "1. exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics" |
 |
| I had to edit out the entire orchard back in my studio and paint sky behind the tree in order for the tree to be seen as a portrait Lesson learned from this: Draw first Paint later |
Hmmmm….. You want tot move to Maine? Ok, pack your wool sweaters and parkas!! We would love to have you, no wineries here!
ReplyDeleteI have all the gear for Maine, perhaps too much. I grew up in MN where 30 below zero is not unusual. Maine is warm by comparison.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I admire that you adapted the plein air criteria and finished the painting in your studio - it is a success! I don't know if I would have thought to go back and study the subject again, I think this is a lesson for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. I knew I had a good start to the plein air painting so I wanted to finish it. So with all the work required in the studio, my painting could not be counted as plein air.
ReplyDeleteLovely, crooked little tree. I love the fruit peeking out. Your light is wonderful Carol :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila. Apples for autumn...and regarding you triple digit heat....it will change. I too am ready...thinking of moving to Maine and throwing a snowball.
Delete