Old Gate at Crestview

The rain was not letting up, so I went in search of a view with cover.  I loved the old gate and the story of days on the farm that it recalled.  A horse trailer was open with the ramp out, so I backed myself in with my gear.  The wind blew the rain in from 3 sides, but at least it wasn't raining down from above!  I try to get my panel covered quickly when it is raining. If any water hits my surface before the oils, they will not stick.  The rain didn't stop until I was ready to leave - but that's just another day en plein air!  Painting number 3017 in 3017 days. 

Dairy Farm

Last week's challenge of painting 100 people in one week was eye opening.   What better way to concentrate on a specific set of skills?   My figure and gesture work has become more fluid and natural - in just one 100 renderings!   With this in mind - I am approaching cattle with the same focus.  I love them,  but have so little experience drawing or painting them that I have to consciously think about their forms as I paint them.  I want them to be fluid, falling off the brush without effort!   I'm watercolor sketching these,  without drawing them first,  allowing the colors to mingle.  I'm using up a watercolor block that I don't care for,  after all,  the focus is the form.  I really only like 300lb paper,  and this is a 140lb cotton rag (artistico).  The texture is too smooth for me,  I prefer the rough.  After about 30 of these babies,  they started rolling off the brush more smoothly.  I'm already more comfortable with their form.  Yay!   I see more of these personal "focus" challenges in my future!   Painting number 1523 in 1523 days.   Perhaps my next focus will be cars in a parking lot!  :)