There is so much going on visually in nature. Keeping it simple is key to a successful painting.
Plein air painting takes me places. It allows me to travel and explore many unique and beautiful areas.
I limit my palette colors to a warm and cool of primaries plus white (Gruppe’s palette). Often toning my canvas either on location or in advance, then I do a general drawing keeping it loose to get my composition down. Here, I begin the “block in” process massing in the color values ranging from dark to light. I create the illusion of form by paying close attention to the relationship between shadows, highlights, mid tones and edges.
I am more of an intuitive painter so my color combinations are decided in the moment after observing the type of lighting the scene has. I consider if it’s a sunny day then colors will be more pure and warm with cool shadows. If the day is cloudy that will automatically mute and cool colors and create warm shadows. I am often pleasantly surprised at the color combinations and the visual investigation that takes place.
My approach is more organic than mechanical. Sometimes I’ll add a few “guest” colors to my palette, or start with a new color toned ground, the experience is often unique while exploring nuances of my approach.
My studio work and subject matter are very influenced by painting outdoors. These works allow me to play with unique themes and subjects different from landscapes. All of my paintings are about my love of art and painting.