Tuesday, February 27, 2007

"The Road To Picton" 10"x 12" O/P

A few winters ago, while plein air painting, I remember placing my canvas on the easel and proceeding to apply a water wash of Burnt Sienna acrylic. It was not long before the acrylic wash began to frost up on the canvas . Realizing what was happening, I hurriedly grabbed the canvas and hurried for the car, thankful that I had left it running. I tried to scrape the frosted acrylic off the surface of the canvas before it melted, all the while hopping that the car heater would dry the canvas enough to accept oil paint.

I mention this incident because the memory of it is always a reminder to me that if I am going to put a colour wash on my panels or canvas during the winter painting season, do it before going outdoors. Lesson learned.. Oh, and there is also that little constant reminder of the Burnt Sienna spots on my van carpet.

This particular panel was pre-stained with a number five value Burnt Sienna. I feel that this helps to give the final painting a warm glow and I personally prefer to see the number five value of any colour appearing in the finished painting in place of the white canvas or white gessoed panel.

The palette for this painting was, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine blue, Alizarin, Bright Red, Cadmium Yellow, Naples Yellow and Titanium White.

'til next.


5 comments:

Jennifer McChristian said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer McChristian said...

Oh, the trials and tribulations of outdoor painting...
This painting looks effortless.
Beautifully composed with a rich complimentary dance of warm and cools.
It has a slight 'Russian' impressionist feel to it.
Lovely!

Frank A. said...

Thank you, Jennifer.

I really appreciate your comments and compliments

"It has a slight 'Russian' impressionist feel to it."

I have been a fan of the Russian Impressionists since the 'fall of the wall'.
I consider your quote to be a compliment. I admit that there may be some influences (subconsciously of course :-) ) borrowed from them.
How observant of you ! :-)

I follow your work as best I can...inspiring.

Take care.

Cara said...

Great painting and hesitate to pick out a favorite point but I have to admit what I love the most is the snowbanks along the road.
Also - a special thanks for sharing your palette colors.

Frank A. said...

cara dawn romero..Thanks !
Glad that you made another visit.
Yesterday I did an enlargement from the plein air piece. It is 20"x 24". I thnk that it still has the "look" of the smaller plein air and I am happy with it.

About the palette,'You are welcome'. My pleasure..

Take care.