Painting "On the Rocks"
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.
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.
My second painting on display is entitled "As the Clouds Float By"
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
"Zeitgeist" show at the Art League Gallery
My figurative oil painting “Edge” is now on view through October 6, 2019 at the Art League gallery on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria, VA. This special show, entitled “Zeitgeist” was juried by artist Zoey Frank.
I love how the rich colors and strong gesture of this painting play so well with the bold contemporary paintings it is hung next to.
This painting was created “alla prima” in one four-hour session from a live model, which contributes to its strong sense of freshness. I was struck by the way the model seemed calm, yet tense as he sought to ground himself firmly on the edge of his stool despite the sense of precariousness it provided. To me, it was a sign of the times and illustrated the exhibit’s theme, “Zeitgeist”
“Edge” by Alison Landry
oil on canvas
10×20
$500
Please stop by!
Zeitgeist
September 10–October 6, 2019
Free
The Art League Gallery
For full size image, please visit the artwork page below:
Edge