Just another day plein air painting in the Mountains of Colorado.

 July 22, 2010

  Most of last week and weekend I painted in the awesomely beautiful high country of Colorado. Mornings brought cool air and quiet water, afternoons we suffered from the unusual heat and bevy of bugs. Sometimes the ever changing light caused my brush to pause, sometimes the movement of water and the flickering light on its surface mesmerized me and sometimes I danced the famous “mosquito tango” or “fly fantasia” in an effort to rid myself of those annoying companions…. and so, sadly, I accomplished little in the way of painting though I came away fully satisfied.

 Gracious local residents hosted me and my husband and provided unending support and assistance. I thank these fine folk, for my days were blessed in many ways. 

  All artists suffer some when plein air painting and many a time we asked ourselves, “Just why we submit ourselves to this torture?” But, we persevered and the show was filled with some truly amazing work. 

Mountain Track 9 x 12 plein air oil painting – Summit County, Colorado

I am not sure of the name of this mountain but it is on the back side of the Ten Mile Range in central Colorado ski country. I was able to drive up a way on this four wheel track, set up and comfortably paint for an hour or so in the mid afternoon. I think the painting is a bit brighter, but as it sold at the show, I can’t now compare my photo to it for correction.

 The painting above resulted from true frustration on my part. My first painting became the “killing field of mosquitoes” as tens of the little buggers stuck to the wet paint and I finally wiped the canvas clean. I moved on to another location near some lovely water only to find that there were no flat surfaces to place my easel….and even when I finally balanced it precariously on some rocks, I couldn’t back up as I painted as I always do…..again I wiped the canvas after about an hour! So the above painting became the only completed piece for the entire day.

Afternoon Delight 9 x 12 plein air oil painting – Summit County, Colorado

This is a man-made reservoir at probably 11,000 feet or more and absolutely natural looking, at least in this direction. The water is clear and cold and chocked full of large Cutthroat trout. Wildflowers are everywhere in profusion. This painting will serve as a good study for a larger painting – soon!

    On the day I painted the above scene, all the artists involved were gathered around this reservoir to paint en plein air. Continental Divide Land Trust provided free transportation and guides for interested parties to come up from Frisco to watch us paint and participate in a wonderful wildflower hike!   Wildflowers at this altitude present an amazing show. With only a few days without frost, every spring, summer and autumn flower rushes to maturity blooming all at the same time in a riot of color. 

  I suggest you get yourself up to Frisco this weekend as the show will remain through next week and you will find some great work at reasonable prices. You’ll find the show at the Buffalo Mountain Gallery on Main Street behind the Brewery in Frisco, Colorado. There is a lot to do in the mountains and Summit County is a great place to visit summer or winter!

Aspen Thicket - morning 9 x 12 plein air oil

This was my first stop – well really the second as I ventured to the lake first and found the mosquitoes so thick you would breathe them in! The morning light was changing rapidly and the whole world appeared as shades of green - difficult to capture, for me at least. I may work on this some in the studio while the memory of the scene is fresh in my mind.

 I’m back home now, the studio calls and I am happy to return to its comforts and convenience once again. Each time I venture out for plein air painting I learn more, grow slowly in my skills and return to the studio refreshed and excited about concentrated painting time. Perhaps this is really the reason we plein air paint.

Patio Pots 6 x 8 plein air oil

Morning Flowers 8 x 10 plein air oil

   A week ago or so, a group of us gathered on my patio to enjoy some local plein air painting. This was all very civilized plein air painting with shade umbrellas, water and restroom facilities close by. I thought you might like to see plein air work done in the comfort of the back garden!  I don't often do flowers - surprise!

   Thanks for being here with me today. I enjoy your comments and appreciate any suggestions you have for subjects on this blog. Ask questions if you wish, I love the challenge of finding answers. 

   Ciao,

  Ginger