In spite of the common practice of completing a plein air painting alla prima I think that many of my paintings in that style definitely need touching up. It takes awhile for me to see what I can fix, and it takes wisdom to know if it would be an improvement.
Today’s post shows the before, contrasted with the “New & Improved” versions of several of my plein air attempts.
This was done plein air style from a photo. Actually, now that I know plein air means open air, this was actually painted alla prima, which means in one session. Although I like it, I wanted the seaweed to be seaweed and not get mistaken for rocks.
Never mind to alla prima. The seaweed needed to be improved upon. I like it better now. I named it “A Walk to the Rock”. That is a reference to the other Moro Rock, which is actually Morro Rock. And this time I photographed it in different light, so all the colors look different. Always something. . .
This one kept bugging me, so I put it back on the easel.
I like it better now and changed the name from “Yard 1” to “Poppies Far & Near”. This time I photographed it in softer sunlight.
This didn’t have enough contrast the first time, and Moro Rock didn’t look right. I was so displeased with the first version that I didn’t even save a copy of the photo. This is the new and improved version, now simply titled “Snowball Bush”. No birdhouse, no pink roses, no red roses. Those might work if I was doing my old layering or “glazing” style. But now I am painting a new and possibly improved style.
New and improved? or just new? The verdict isn’t in yet. You will be able to see these at the 45th annual Redbud Festival.
2 Comments
I love a “Walk to the Rock”!!! I might have to purchase this one:) How I miss the coast! Thanks Jana:)
Melissa
Thank you, Melissa! My favorite walk is from Morro Rock to Cayucos and back, or the reverse. The title might be a little obscure, but it suits me.
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