Summer means packing a picnic and the plein air painting kit then heading to the beach for the day. After lunch I check the wind and light conditions to choose an inspirational view. On this day I am on the Cape Hedge rock burm at the mouth of Saratoga Creek, looking south to Long Beach.
Looking South
I take my time to set up my easel and paints as I consider the composition and elements I want to focus on. When I have an rough idea I begin to sketch it out on the canvas with broad strokes and thin, diluted paint before coming back in with heavier color. It’s a windy day so down comes the umbrella. My “Gloucester Easel” is steady though.
At work on the rocks
It’s a large 24 x 24 canvas for working on outside, and after a couple hours I pack it up. Back at the studio I may or may not continue to work on a piece; in this case I make some adjustments and decide to add more figures.
Mouth of the Saratoga, 24 x 24
Come see the finished piece at our Open Studios on October 10-11!
