There has to be an easier to way to carry art materials around for plein aire. From the hotel to the location in this post is about a mile and carrying portfolio with paper, drawing board, easel and pastels requires a team of mules. Still I made it there and back and survived the ordeal.
This was my first real adventure into plein aire where a possible audience would be total strangers. As I was struggling with getting this to look anything people would stop and say, "that's nice" and I would smile and say "thank you" while thinking "They must be blind - this is a disaster!" They were probably just being kind! Oh and then there was the nice lady who wanted to take my photo as I worked! I wonder where that will end up!
It got very hot as the shade I started out in moved away so I gave up in the middle of my second attempt and struggled back to the hotel. My next venture out is going to be with half the pastels, half the paper and possibly no easel. (I swore, as I struggled back, there wasn't going to be a next time!) I have not done nearly enough weight-training to be in shape for this!
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Knowing how difficult that first time out is, I am very proud of you to go it alone. I love where you chose to set up. Having been there last year with you and Tom, it brings back fond memories. You did a wonderful job capturing the reflection. Great use of paper, and composition.
I keep telling myself I need to get out and do a plein aire work before heading to NYC for the pastel workshop. But that old demon procrastination whispers in my ear that it is much too hot, too much trouble, people will stare and on and on.... However, you survived and are even thinking of a next time. Thanks for your good natured sharing and the lovely picture from your first outing. Now I know I've GOT to do it. No more excuses!!
Anita, I am also very proud of you! You didn't only come up with a very nice pastel but I am sure after this there will be many outings for you. I agree with Sue you have shown us that it can be done, so no more excuses for me either.
You got your art time and your exercise time in all at once! ;) You were brave to go it alone and in the heat. But I think the results were worth it. (I know, I know...easy for me to say.)
It isn't a good time for me to read of your woes, Anita. I'm headed for Venice on Friday and apart from packing and re-packing my kit endlessly, I'm terrified someone will look. But you did splendidly, the painting is serene, so it was worth every moment of misery. Now I'm going to cut my supplies by half! :)
So where are the new ones? Stop holding back, I saw them and they need to be posted
tap tap tap
Yes, it was worth it to us, that you had to trudge around with all your equipment, this is beautiful!
Anita - so glad to hear you're taking up plein air!
Try using a foam core board instead of an easel. In town, sitting down in cafes and using backs of chairs for a prop is an excellent arrangement which i have used time and time again, Foam core boards are also very light to carry. I usually have one cut to the size of the bottom of my suitcase when going abroad
Also try a backpack if not using one already. They are ace for when you need your hands for all the fiddley bits
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