Neal-en plein air

Neal - en plein air oil on canvas 20"x24"

I had a great day of painting Saturday; I finished the oil I had been working on. I like to paint alla prima, but my time didn't allow for that on this painting. I decided to try something new... I have always frozen my palette between uses, and the paint defrosts and is perfect to continue using. I wondered if I could do the same thing with my painting - the answer is yes. I froze the painting after the initial blocking and laying in the shadows. I took it out of the deep freeze - and presto it was as if I never stopped painting.

Plein Air Painter

Plein Air Painter 8"x10" pastel on sanded paper

I have been thinking about building a website for about 10 years, but I never seem to get around to it. So today I am starting this blog. My hope is to show you some of my art, discuss plein air painting and techniques, and give you information on my classes and workshops.

This is a pastel study that I did for an oil comission. The oil is on my easel. I did this study quickly using a limited number of pastels - I want the oil to capture the same freshness.