First of all I wanted to let you know I am on instagram: pasmeche
And now for my latest painting adventure!
I signed up for my first official plein air event...and it was fun! I got my linen panels stamped and away I went feeling exhilarated. I painted the bridge...my eye was led to the school at the top of the hill. A tall pine stands right next to the "tower" on the school... school (academic knowledge) and nature at the top of a hill (spirit)... the wires on the left side also really balanced the bridge. The arcs of the bridge distributing the load and the wire swooping down being pulled by gravity.
As I painting a whole bunch of people stopped by! A boy on his bike came by 4 times and so many others stopped by to encourage me! I made a small thumb nail and then settled into a 16x20 painting. I started the big painting at about 9:30ish and didn't quit until about 4:00ish. I went home feeling kind of discouraged but I knew the next day was the quick paint.
When I got home with my painting and put it in the frame it looked much better than on site...I think I just need a drink of water and a couch! Onward ho!
On of the volunteers came by and took this photo! I love the patch of sunlight on my panel.
Thank you to all the volunteers!
here is my little thumbnail / color study
Here is my work when I dropped it off! I was thrilled to learn this work sold. I will give my little color study to the collector as a gift...just have to get it in the mail to them!
I was also so honored to receive the "Artist's Choice" award for this painting!
Thank you fellow painters this award means so much to me!
Next Day arrived at 7:30 to get my panel stamped for the "quick paint"
Our car was being worked on so my wonderful husband dropped me off at the sign in table...I just walked to the nearest allowable corner and looked around. There was the tree and the tower again...it was like a telescopic view ! I loved it right away and I knew I wanted to paint a big swath of sunlit cement in the foreground.
Here is my Quick paint as I finished up... you can see the yellow building and the bridge and the school and the tree ... I loved the lamp posts! And really steadied my hand to put in the wires!
Two of my biggest fans stopped by! Thanks Dad and Mom!
Low and behold my painting won the Quick Paint! Hurrah!
It was really fun to hear the jurors critique my study.
I also found out this work sold! Hurrah! Hurrah!
After the Quick Paint I ate lunch with my parents and Pat, ran home and Pat took me out to St. Coletta's where I began painting the fountain! I did two little color studies first. The fountain is so beautiful and as I was painting I learned the water is mingled with water from the Vatican and from Assisi Italy. That made it even more special to paint! A big storm came up fast but because our car was still in the shop I did not have a car. Almost all of the employees were gone for the day so I ran for cover between buildings with my painting...I called Pat but he was 20 min away. When I heard the alarms go off I ran around to a different building and a very nice woman let me in!
I went back the next day and painted a few more hours. I really love the angels. I think I might go back out to do another painting of them!
Here is another angel and below is the final painting along with the two color studies. This is a 16x16" painting. I am so honored that it was purchased by St. Coletta's and will be part of the permanent collection. It was a pleasure to paint and the residents and staff were so encouraging and kind.
There are still some "strokes" I would like to add but all in all I am really happy with the work.
I am definitely going sign up for the Jefferson County Plein Air event next year. Great people, beautiful town and really well organized.
