First Plein Air Event!

​I'm trying to catch up on some posts...starting with the weekend. 

Ellicott City Plein Air competition event

What a wonderful weekend! First of all. the weather, which is usually hideously hot in July, was quite congenial ... blue skies with fluffy white clouds, a nice breeze, not too hot, not too humid, no rain ... perfect for painting outdoors. There were 30 "official" artist that were juried in, with lots of prizes and a month long group exhibition. There were also maybe 60 more "Open Paint" artists, including a few children, who could just come paint at the same time. They got a few prizes, too, and an opening night exhibition. As you wandered around, there were artists scattered all over the place. It was very festive. Most people worked in oils, but there were a number of watercolor artists, three other pastelists, and a smattering of other media (including wood block prints!). We had to get our canvases and paper stamped in the morning.

"Through the Arch"

Friday I did a painting of an old stone arch that is still holding up the train track. A train even came through at one point! I was using an experimental surface, which fought back hard, but it looks good from a distance. I might try that one again next year with a more congenial surface. I was so grateful for the shade, and for my ice water.