Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Soledad Canyon Wash

Soledad Canyon Wash by BYarborough
Soledad Canyon Wash, a photo by BYarborough on Flickr.

12 x 12 oil on canvas -- using Cobra water mixable oils. This was my first plein air workshop on July 23. I had one big obstacle, the water mixable oils got thick and gummy in the heat. I posed the problem on WetCanvas and was given several solutions to try. The next week (previous post) I tried one and had success! This painting, because of the gumminess I experienced, I had to touch up a bit at home. I also still needed to add the tree trunks and some spots of color on the sand.
The location was right in the middle of the wash, located in Acton. The sand in the wash was so thick I think the legs on my easel must've sunk a good 12 inches - LOL! It was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed instruction from Richard Gallego (gallegoart.com). Rich's impressionistic style is very appealing to me and I hope I can get away from my realistic style.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Hot Hay in July

Hot Hay in July by BYarborough
Hot Hay in July, a photo by BYarborough on Flickr.

Plein air in Leona Valley, oils on 9x12 canvas. I did not realize how much hotter it would be to set up on hot, dry, hay rather than the dirt road. The heat reflected up off of the yellow grass hay and made the 3 1/2 hours out there pretty miserable. I did thoroughly enjoy the outing, though, and the scene was SO summertime! There were some blue flowers still blooming in the meadow and the contrasts of yellow and green were very appealing.
I continue to use the Cobra water mixable oils and continue to love them. I mixed linseed oil and water (50/50) and that worked perfectly as a medium to keep my paint smooth and creamy on the palette. Clean up is still soap and water.
My plein air paintings are done with a primary palette -- UltraMarine, Azo Yellow (which is being switched to Cad Yellow), Naphthol Red Medium and Titanium White. I'm finding that mixing in the field is very doable and sure makes for a lighter load in the french easel!