This week, Tuesday morning, I had the delightful opportunity to bask in the warmth of a beautiful, sun-kissed day while plein air painting with my friend Mo Myra. Together, we ventured to one of my cherished spots in Branford: Parker Memorial Park on Harbor Street. The park offered an array of breathtaking scenes just waiting to be captured on canvas.
Plein Painting – Tuesday
Nestled in a serene cove frequented by kayakers, with my husband Dean fishing nearby, the setting was idyllic. The vibrant hues of spring colored the landscape, with trees adorned in a palette of pinks, light greens, and delicate white flowers, juxtaposed against the blue waters.
Parker Cove – Plein Air Study, acrylic 16 x 12
Thursday Morning Plein Air
On my second outing to this spot, I arrived early, 7am Thursday morning, greeted by a flurry of cherry blossom petals dancing through the air. Undeterred, I relished in the whimsical interplay of light and shadow, aiming to encapsulate the gentle caress of sunlight atop the treetops against the cool, serene backdrop of the distant landscape and blue waters below.
It’s always a beautiful sight to see a pink blanket of petals covering the ground around me. And as you can see in the image on the right, my palette was no exception.
Working with acrylics on-site, I’m now contemplating adding a layer of oil paints in my studio to further refine the piece. While at my easel, I enjoyed a quick chat with early morning walkers and a friendly heads-up from Jim of the Works department about impending grass cutting, it was an immensely gratifying experience.
As I reflect on my plein air sessions this week, I can’t help but emphasize three distinct benefits of painting en plein air:
- Immersion in Nature: There’s an unparalleled sense of connection to the natural world when painting outdoors. The sights, sounds, and even the occasional fluttering of cherry blossom petals contribute to a deeply immersive experience that enriches the artistic process.
- Dynamic Lighting: Capturing the interplay of light and shadow in real-time adds a dynamic quality to plein air paintings. The shifting hues and textures of the landscape under the changing light conditions offer endless opportunities for exploration and expression.
- Spontaneity and Authenticity: Plein air painting encourages spontaneity and authenticity in artistic expression. The immediacy of the environment compels artists to trust their instincts and embrace the imperfections inherent in capturing a scene as it unfolds, resulting in works that are imbued with a sense of vitality and raw beauty.
To anyone who hasn’t yet ventured into the realm of plein air painting, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize your easel, step outside, and immerse yourself in the transformative experience of painting en plein air. Trust me when I say, there’s truly nothing quite like it.
Thank you for being apart of the journey!
Linda
Feel free to leave a comment below and share your plein air painting experience.
thanks for participating – Wishing you much love and courage to keep creating and sharing!
Update: 5-14-2024
Complete Spring at the Cove, Branford Point in oils –
Here’s the finished painting:
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