Monday, January 31, 2011

Newport Beach Back Bay

On Saturday I went to a plein air class in Newport Beach in the back bay.  I hesitated before signing up because I don't really enjoy plein air painting and prefer to be in the comfort of my studio rather than schlepping all of that stuff needed to paint on location.
It started out as a perfect day until the lecture was over and it was time for us to paint.  I chose the scene I wanted to paint and spent about 10 minutes setting everything up (I have a very cumbersome easel) including an umbrella for shade because I was looking into the sun.  Of course, then the wind started to blow and my umbrella flew off of the easel.  Luckily, I hadn't attached it very tightly and it didn't tip the easel over.  Anyway, I decided that the umbrella was not going to work and I wasn't going to stare into the sun so I turned 180 degrees and saw this scene.  I started to paint with great anticipation but realized that I wasn't seeing the colors very well in the bright sun, especially wearing my much needed sunglasses.
 After about 10 more minutes, greatly frustrated and muttering a lot, I left.  I was so mad that I had failed at my attempt but I came home and finished it in my VERY COMFORTABLE studio so I guess that this is technically not a plein air painting but I don't care!  One of these days, maybe I will become a plein air painter but I think I need to stop being such a big whiny baby first and I'm not ready to do that yet.

Newport Beach Back Bay
Image Size 5" x 7"
Oil


9 comments:

  1. Nancy, your post really made me laugh. I so understand what you are saying about painting outdoors. I've tried it, I've done it and I spent much time getting chased by an angry bumblebee! Still, there is a part of me that finds the idea charming. I do like what you were able to accomplish on this, and you certainly get an A for effort too!

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  2. I think it still counts as a plein air painting even though you finished it in your studio! I like the colors and loose brush work.

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  3. Hi Nancie, It is a charming idea, isn't it? That is until you get there and find that you haven't brought something you really need or suddenly have to go the the bathroom and all that's available are some sketchy looking outhouses. I'll take my creature comforts any day. So maybe my paintings won't be quite as authentic coming from a photo reference but I think the result will be better because I'll be in a good mood. : )

    Thanks Theresa. You wouldn't let it count as a plein air painting if you had seen how little I did on location and how much of it I wiped off after I got home but thanks for the positive thoughts.

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  4. It sure looks like it was a lovely location though, Nancy. I have to say I'd have been of same mind as you right from when you started talking about the schlepping. I think the creature comforts are awful darned nice to have myself! By the way, I think this is a beautiful little piece!

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  5. Nancy, I think you get a blue ribbon for trying! My times out in the field are always interesting...easels collapsing, wind, hot sun or freezing fingers, bathroom issues, but always accompanied with tons of laughter!

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  6. Thanks for the blue ribbon Brenda. I'm sure there was a lot of laughter but I think it was from all of the people biking and running by me as I tried my best to be a plein air painter.

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  7. Nancy, I love this painting. The reflection in the water is amazing. I'm going to Dreama and Leslie's workshop in Atlanta next week. I will miss you.

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  8. Thanks Jerry. I'm jealous! I wish I could go to their workshop again too. Tell them hi for me.

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