These eight paintings were done "en plein air", sitting in the tailgate of my car, at the end of May into June 2011 (posted some then). Some were done on consecutive days within about two weeks, when we had a beautiful period of calm warm weather with still evening skies. Practically there were always jet trails hanging motionless, or being drawn across the sky as I watched. Sizes are 8" x 5" in the main thought the first three were of slightly different height sizes, using offcuts, till I realised suddenly that I should standardise sizes and create a series.
Now I'm trying to decide how to display them, in groups of three, or four or singley. I quite like the set of three or four as it gives rise to the idea of 'time passing', and possibly 'film', that almost old fashion medium (with sprocket holes), much superceded by video format.
One has to work very fast to get the paint down as the sky is changing swiftly all the time. So these probably took half an hour on average . It is really difficult to be sure as I always forget to check the time. Sometimes I'd get there and wait a bit to summon the energy; sitting, contemplating till it felt 'right' to start (better late then never), sometimes weary(or lazy) and mesmerised by the splendour and drama of it all. Then urge myself into action working, against the clock to beat the fading light, till I can't see the colours I'm mixing - it can feel rather futile trying to attempt this.(once or twice I didn't even get going)
Often I'll listen to music a walkman, Bach piano sonatas/partitas are good, they seem to stop out other thoughts and interruptions, helping the mind (and paint) to flow - the melody lines interweaving, stir feelings and energy, somehow relating to interweaving evolving cloud patterns.
Just had to do a touch more - a hint of detail on the white buildings left of church. tail lights and wheels on the vehicles (the nearest was a sports car), the steeple is more defined with sky showing through bits of architecture. I hope Valerie will accept the changes in good grace:-) (See her comment below in the last post below) ... and I hope I've not ruined it.
Oh(!) and congratulations Val on getting your set of 6 paintings in the Bath Prize Exhibition, and one on their promotional brocure. Great achievement and I'm very pleased for you.
Note: Valerie received a 'Highly Commended' certificate on one of her paintings.
J. S. Bach - Kantate BWV 36 - Schwingt freudig euch empor - 7 - Aria (J. S. Bach-Stiftung) Beautifully sung by Nurai Rial
A magnificent Copper Beech, by the car park near Heaven's Gate. Done in the last hour of fading light, I didn't quite catch the sense of light I wanted here, but somehow like the sense of 'attack' in this one. Oil on gesso panel 14" x 10".
Some Bach to listen to ........ it helps my mental flow when working.
Started the day with the first meeting of the UK Pochard Group in Bristol. After a coffee and introductions we all set off and worked around here for a bit. I took longer at the task whilst others went to find new subject matter. Then four of us met later and painted the harbour to finish the day. We were blessed with a glorious and sunny, though pretty cold day, below freezing to start. My first experience painting with a group and it was a very positive one and enjoyable.
The house between the 'Poplar Trees' The house between the 'Poplar Trees'. This small house is dwarfed by these trees, painted from the field space between them. There are trees behind me as well so it is well protected from the wind, although nothing but grass is growing there now. Maybe they had crops at one time but not in the last 10 years.
