The Studio

We love going to the cabin at Twin Mountain so the “boys” can run and play and I can paint.  And that is just what we did this past weekend.  Here is the result:

This is the spot we chose to paint from that morning.  A gorgeous view of the West Virginia mountain range and the hay had just been baled and the aroma was strong.

As usual I start with a loose sketch of where I want to place the objects in the painting.  The great thing about being a painter is that you can always move things around on the canvas to make it fit and to make a pleasing composition.

Next I start putting color on the canvas.  One of the difficult things about painting outdoors (or on location) is that the light changes quickly.  The sun rises, clouds pass over, etc.  So you must mix paint quickly and set the tone of the painting.

I keep adding color and building the painting.  Again, you have to work quickly or the shadows move.  I often leave them out until the very end of my work and then add them.

And here is the finished product.  I am happy with the result.  This is a 9″x12″ oil on canvas panel and is available.  You can contact me at kwalker@doubledogdesigns.com if you are interested in collecting any of my paintings. 

And the best part of painting en plein air is that I have helpers.  Jed was off making the area safe for us to hang out…but Truman, as usual, was watching me work.  Truman is too old and distinguished to run around like crazy young Jed does.  Notice he cleverly lays just in the edge of the shade but close enough he can help make judgments about my work.  Thanks Tru!