Monthly Archives: August 2014

Bass Lake – an amazing place for Plein Air

Another incredible day at Bass Lake.  It was actually chilly in the shade.  It’s an amazing place for Plein Air painting.  There are so many possible scenes and lightings.  And lots of pleasant people to interact with if you’re so inclined.  My husband and I have been in Boone/Blowing Rock area a great deal this summer —- so I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to do lots of plein air in a beautiful location.  One of the quandaries I’ve discovered recently is lighting.  When I position myself in the shade because of comfort, I have a very hard time really seeing my painting.  I’m looking out at a sunlight scene and I guess my eyes just can’t adjust quickly enough.  Sometimes I feel that I’m painting in the dark.  Often I’ll take my painting back in to the sun and do more adjustments.

I’ve also started taking my decent camera with me.  I’ve realized I sometimes need a better reference when I want to rework a painting back in the studio.  The iPhone shots just aren’t that good. Altho once again I’m amazed at how many colors I see in real life as compared to photographs.  Painting from life – regardless of the subject — is so helpful.

So while I was painting, my husband was fishing.  Caught a huge bass out of the lily pads in the lake.  Actually caught several.  Life is good!

Bass Lake, Plein Air, Oil Painting, Landscapes

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