Plein air (outdoor) painting is a joy because nothing can beat the associations you weave into the layers of paint when you get out of the studio and immerse yourself in nature. The rich sensory elements you experience outside make painting real, fresh, and memorable beyond just the visual. You absorb the sound of rushing water, the scent of the earth, and the feel of the air along with whatever view caught your eye in the first place.

Perhaps painting outside is even more of a joy because of all the challenges we face and overcome as painters in the wild, such as summer heat, sun glare, mosquitoes, dirt and bugs finding their way into the paint, rain, rough terrain, and uneven or changing light. In the end there is a real sense of satisfaction in overcoming all these obstacles in order to capture the raw essence of a given moment outside, on the spot.  In a smartphone selfie world, plein air painting is an enjoyable way to slow down and really experience a place through all the senses.

This past weekend I participated in the Paint Great Falls plein air event and competition for the second year in a row, and I challenged myself to paint in Great Falls Park itself, a new site for me. My first day out painting was Thursday. I chose the iconic view of the falls from Overlook 3, and enjoyed a quiet overcast afternoon with a stream of occasional visitors. When I returned on Saturday morning, however, the crowd was thick and overwhelming so I sought out a more out-of-the-way spot on top of a rock outcropping off the trail overlooking the rushing water below.

 

Painting Great Falls from Overlook 3

 

For my second painting, I set up my tripod at its lowest setting with legs wide and unextended, and propped up my palette against the legs, which allowed me to sit on the one flat spot of the rock behind it.

 

This angle makes it seem far more precarious then it felt as I was painting! I kept a hand on my umbrella to steady it in the breeze.

 

Kayakers climb down the rocky trail behind my setup

 

The beautiful swirling foam and water that inspired this painting

 

Beginning my third and final painting of the sky’s reflections in the Potomac River

After I finished painting on the rocks, I wanted to stretch my legs and escape the crowds that had grown as the day went on. I packed up and moved to a shady and secluded spot along the river, farther down the Patowmack Canal trail.  I finished this oil sketch a few hours later, just before sunset.

I was delighted when “On the Rocks” won Honorable mention at the reception Sunday evening, as awarded by juror Bethanne Cople.

 

“On the Rocks” by Alison Landry. oil on linen panel. 9×12. Available through the Arts of Great Falls

 

My second painting on display is entitled “As the Clouds Float By”

“As the Clouds Float By” oil on panel. 12×16. Available through the Arts of Great Falls

 

 

The exhibit of all competition paintings by local artists is on display through September 30th, 2019

The Arts of Great Falls
756 Walker Road
GreatFalls, VA  22066