Fallen Glory

Day 18: #rogertorypetersoninstitute Today was wet and windy, not exactly good weather to be out with watercolor or oils. I heard the rain falling all night, so I was prepared for painting in the RV. Many of you have asked me why I prefer to paint outdoors (plein air) rather than inside from a photo.
With a photo you are limited to the current technology and your camera’s ability to capture the correct tones and colors. When painting outside I can see into the deep shadows and can take the opportunity to walk up to the subject to study it. I knew that there would be days that I wouldn’t be able to be outside during this residency, so during my walks down the trail, I took photos to use on rainy days. Usually, I take several photos of the same subject, 3 or 4 up close, a couple exactly as I see the painting and a few from a distance. Together these photos will give me most of the information that I need.
Today’s painting features the fallen limb of an old apple tree. I loved the weathered wood against the vibrant golden rod. While I was painting, I thought of all of my gardens at home. Every year I pour hours in to weeding to give my pampered plants room to grow. While I’m not a fan of some native plants, I must concede that nature is a better gardener than I am.

“Fallen Glory” Watercolor, 8”x10” Available
Unframed $350
Framed $425

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