Rescued

Here is the rescued painting. Having got it home and removed the grass and other bits from it I had to repaint at least 40% to get it back to where it was. To be honest if this had been just a plein air painting I wouldn't have added the deer but as I was in the studio I thought it would give the painting more depth, and why not.

An interesting experience I am not sure what I learned from it. I knew the pcohade box was light it was built like that. It wasn't windy when I started. It was just the gods having fun! I suppose the learning point is don't give up anything is rescuable (if thats a word?).

Thursday 28th April battling the elements Dinefwr

Today I knew it was a bit of a risk but I felt I had to get out and paint. the forecast was good until about midday and then rain. I got up early and then made my way to Llandeilo with my large pochade box. I met my sister and went up into the deer park in Dinefwr Park where there is a good view of the Towy Valley. I found my spot and set up to paint while she went off for a walk.

There was some blue sky and a really good view down the valley no wind and looking dry for a while anyway.

I didn't bother with a sketch and just got on painting as time might be short. I had got the board covered and the main features down when disaster, a strong gust of wind from nowhere took the box and board. I caught the board but my hand and palette smeared the painting adding yellows and greens to the sky amongst other things. 

The wind decided to stay and bitter it was. I repaired the painting as best I could and continued for a further 20 minutes before another strong gust lifted everything. I was cold and more importantly couldn't really proceed. I checked the sky and could see rain clouds coming up the valley. So I packed away quickly and made my way back to the car.

So I have a painting that is basically all there but needs finishing. 

Friday 1st April 2016 - Carmarthen on a Bitter Grey day

I took my box easel into town this morning and set up by PC World to get a view of the Bridge and County Hall. I put on a ground of yellow ochre and brushed in the composition in grey. It was bitterly cold and I spent an hour or so getting the painting done. I used a limited palette with no blue just black and titanium white with cad red, yellow ochre and cad yellow. I enjoyed painting it but I was glad to pack up as I was pretty much chilled to the bone despite scarf, hat, coat jumpers and boots..