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It's snow time! Posted by David on Thursday, 2009-December-24 Wow. The snow in the sun was amazing but the weather closed in fast. Just a small window of opportunity to get something down. Forgot to put a card in my camera so I'll have to rely on these oil sketches and memory for any new versions. Probably not a bad thing....photos have a habit of leading me astray!
This is my favourite and the least, erm, polished. Just goes to show you don't need lots of detail to achieve an end result. Less is certainly more in this case. I had about 30 minutes to get it down having just painted a panel facing the other direction (see below). I wasn't sure whether to bother but I'm glad I did. The colours were amazing and seemed to change every time I looked! 
This one worked quite well (facing the other way before the sun started going down) and I enjoyed working on a linen canvas panel. The sheep made a nice point of interest and they're definitely less white than you'd think!  The composition on this one wasn't so strong but I think I can tweak the format and use the sketch to work up something more balanced (in terms of shape and colour/value distribution). It was REALLY cold when I did this one...2 pairs of gloves were needed towards the end! Thankfully I had a flask of milky coffee.  More snow....please!! (N.B. If not logged in, make sure you supply a registered e-mail & password below) |
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I try to keep it loose on site and enjoy working in one direct session. It forces me to be more decisive and instinctive. I've started using the occasional decorator's brush to scrub in some areas as they give a nice broken/feathered edge. I've got plenty left over from the house renovation work!!
The plein air set up is quite handy, for sure. I either take out a portable metal easel or (as on this occasion) a pochade with a camera tripod. My Dad made the pochade and essentially it has a sliding palette under which the paints can be kept. The lid holds up to 3 panels which can be stored when wet so transporting them back isn't a problem.
I use a fisherman's rucksack which has lots of pockets and is built for strenght (and is also much cheaper). I have a folding 3 legged stool which fits into the case I use to carry the tripod. I use the stool either to sit on or if I'm standing up I use it as a mini table. I'd be interested to hear what you use.
We'll have to get together and I can show you the set up for real. I'm hoping to get down to London in the next few weeks.