From Dryslwyn Castle 24 by 15 inches watercolour and mixed media
This is my first successful plein air effort in years, hopefully will provide the template for further efforts. I used to get so much from plein air painting, hope to return to it.
Thanks Laurie, well logistically this was difficult as I had to perch myself on a 70 degree slope, but plein air painting, when it goes right can be really inspiring.
Thanks Sally, have had a couple of interrupted experimental forays since, am concluding I should paint using a method and approach I know, then the meaning will work itself out.
To be honest Simon I think there is no substitute to painting from life if we want to "see" the colours. I have just taken some photos of the spiral staircase here and was planning (sketching in prep for a painting) from them. Then I just went to the door and looked out at the "subject" again and I got a shock - the sheer "presence" of that staircase, its richness of colour shook me. Sadly I'll have to rely on pics because I leave Saturday and have no paints with me but I'll do some more 'from life' sketches and make colour notes. This painting of yours has a very nineteenth century classical feel to it for me. The angle is amazing but its the colours that sing the most strongly. Yep, it gives us a lot to think about.
Hi Sheila, yes it is a classic 19th century location, turner did at least 2 sketched and one nice watercolour within a hundred yards of this spot, he sketched the bridge when it was a ferry crossing about 1804 when he was 19, and Cox too painted this castle.I dont think I can go very far wrong if I get a blast from painting outdoors.
7 comments:
Rather lovely, I don't think most people realise how difficult watercolour is let alone doing it plein-air. Well done!
Thanks Laurie, well logistically this was difficult as I had to perch myself on a 70 degree slope, but plein air painting, when it goes right can be really inspiring.
you should definately return to it given the chance...this really sings!
Thanks Sally, have had a couple of interrupted experimental forays since, am concluding I should paint using a method and approach I know, then the meaning will work itself out.
To be honest Simon I think there is no substitute to painting from life if we want to "see" the colours. I have just taken some photos of the spiral staircase here and was planning (sketching in prep for a painting) from them. Then I just went to the door and looked out at the "subject" again and I got a shock - the sheer "presence" of that staircase, its richness of colour shook me. Sadly I'll have to rely on pics because I leave Saturday and have no paints with me but I'll do some more 'from life' sketches and make colour notes.
This painting of yours has a very nineteenth century classical feel to it for me. The angle is amazing but its the colours that sing the most strongly. Yep, it gives us a lot to think about.
Hi Sheila, yes it is a classic 19th century location, turner did at least 2 sketched and one nice watercolour within a hundred yards of this spot, he sketched the bridge when it was a ferry crossing about 1804 when he was 19, and Cox too painted this castle.I dont think I can go very far wrong if I get a blast from painting outdoors.
Beautiful, Simon. It transmits your joy of the experience!
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