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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

100 plein air paintings in 100 days - #99

#99 - "Catching the Light"
Original Oil 6x8"

10/07/17 (7:45pm)
Sometimes you don't even have to try, the light just gives you one. There was so much that was beautiful about this subject, and once again I knew it would be gone fast, so I spent a few moments before beginning to really take note of what I wanted to capture.

Knowing this was day 100, I was so grateful for a gorgeous evening. This painting gave me a chance to work with some of the key things I've learned along the way such as:

  • squinting to make sure I can reduce the scene to 4 or 5 large abstract shapes before starting
  • keeping the distant values light enough (always lighter than I think)
  • neutralizing and blueing colour as it recedes
  • using a few simple brushstrokes to suggest a whole lot of detail
  • choosing what I'm going to say and sticking with it no matter how many other ideas I am seduced by as the painting unfolds...tough one
  • if the wheels are falling off just keep putting paint on 'til it looks right
  • above all - when I'm getting cranky I try to remember to not take myself too seriously - (really tough one...)
All in all it's been one hell of a ride ~ can't wait to share #100 with you guys!

9 comments:

  1. This is glorious. The shimmer on the water is a bit of heaven. What an absolutely amazing experience this has been watching all of these incredible paintings appear. It is with both happiness and sadness that I wait to see Painting #100.

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  2. Great points to remember, Liz! I'm going to miss these little gems. Really looking forward to see what comes next, though!
    Congratulations, wonderful job, Liz!
    Bobbi

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  3. Whew! One to go. The light on this one..wow...and the water reflections, another wow!

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  4. another beauty-#100 is going to be a bittersweet post for those of us who have been following you but I know there will be more adventures for us to enjoy in your painting journey.

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  5. Absolutely beautiful! I love the greens and that little bit of blue sky and of course, the mountain. Quintessentially Liz.

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  6. What a beauty! Hard to believe it is only 6 x 8. Speaks alot louder than that.
    I am going to try and print off your tips to remember. Reallyy great.

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  7. Another wonderful one! Like everyone else here, I will miss seeing all these wonderful paintings rolling off your canvases. But, I have a feeling you will have another project coming up. Congratulations on a great series of paintings!

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  8. bello trabajo !!! felicidades!!!

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  9. Love the way you share your tips, and this painting is wonderful, with so few brushstrokes! thanks Liz! Congrats on 100 of them.

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