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!
Another great day of painting on location at Hilton Head. I discovered a really nice town park right on the marsh and set up there to paint about 8:15 a.m. Boy, did it get hot fast this morning. Not a lot of breeze blowing and within an hour I was burning up. But I kept painting and got a nice little 9″x12″ oil painting completed. I took photos at different stages so you could see how I work. 
I spent a little time painting yesterday morning at the bend going to South Beach yesterday… South Beach at Hilton Head Island, SC. It was early but there was still quite a few people out walking and I talked to some very nice people from Ohio and Pennsylvania as well as locals. People are always curious when they see you painting. Some will come over and ask questions. This is the scene I painted. The three little lines you see (one at the top and two at the bottom) are the metal prongs that hold the painting on the french easel. I took this photo while still wet on the easel so I could get it posted right away. 
(This painting is 
The painting that I am posting today is one that I started while at the cabin this past weekend. It was a beautiful weekend for plein-air painting. I am often asked just what that means. 
We were out at the cabin for an extended weekend. The weather was beautiful and I got to paint on location everyday. A real treat!!! I am finishing three paintings that I started out there so I will post them soon. In the meantime I wanted to share with you Truman’s big adventure. 
Strawberries in a Bowl is one of the entries that I have in the Blue Ridge Arts Council’s Member Show that opens tonight. The reception is from 5:30 – 7 p.m. This is the largest member show that BRAC has ever had with 80 entries and 25 artists represented. Please come this evening and enjoy the art and artists!
Today’s painting is Olives on Teal I measuring 8″x10″. It is an oil on canvas and is available for $145 (unframed). Contact 
The Studio 