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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Come to the Water

Come to the Water, 16 x 12

April is the best month for plein air painting in Texas because of all the glorious spring color and the relatively cooler temperatures. However, today it heated up into the 90's! I spent the day painting at McKinney Falls State Park just outside of Austin, and was so thankful for a bit of shade to take shelter in. This natural swimming hole is formed by Onion Creek pouring over wide limestone ledges. It's a pretty cool place. I'll post my painting of the falls tomorrow.
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12 comments:

  1. Elizabeth SeaverApril 21, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    This is a particularly inviting picture, Laurel. Wonderful job!

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  2. Barbara Haviland-Texas Contemporary ArtistApril 21, 2009 at 8:54 PM

    Laurel,
    I wish I had been with you. I am going to Rockport Tx in May for a plein air with Dalhart Windberg. I can't wait for that. I hope to see you in July.. I love the paintng..

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  3. Barbara MuirApril 21, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Oh my Laurel,

    This is stellar. I absolutely love everything about it. The feeling of heat simmers on the bright path, and the almost foggy tree tops, and then there's that flash of blue in the water, that says cool.

    You are just amazing. Time after time this is true.

    XOXOBarbara

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  4. Jala PfaffApril 21, 2009 at 10:39 PM

    Wonderful color work. I especially love the bright blue in the immediate foreground, and the purple and green more saturated splotches along the left. (That's the word "splotches" in a GOOD way.)

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  5. susan hong-sammonsApril 22, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    Hello Laurel, Another wonderful, beautiful, sensitive painting. It's always such a pleasure to view your blog and website.

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  6. Janelle GoodwinApril 22, 2009 at 6:52 AM

    I can sense the heat and this cool oasis you painted is wonderful!

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  7. jennifer woodburnApril 22, 2009 at 8:01 AM

    This is breathtaking Laurel. You manage to keep the eye just dancing across the canvas!

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  8. julie davisApril 22, 2009 at 8:30 AM

    I love the variations in the colors in the path--and the greens! They are particularly challenging, but you nail them every time.

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  9. Leslie SaetaApril 22, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    Wow! I love this painting. Your colors are simply amazing!

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  10. Jill BerryApril 22, 2009 at 12:36 PM

    I know I'm behind on the times but I just got home and received my International Artist. Enjoyed reading about your inspiration, design and process - shows you are a good teacher as well.
    Talking about finding inspiration in your own backyard - I was surprised to find a field of bluebonnets in view out my window just across the street from the Intercoastal Waterway. Especially since the whole time I was in Houston I kept trying to get out to Brenham, but never did.
    Nice work on this natural swimming hole. That is what I just posted, but in a wild and crazy version.
    Take care and enjoy your winnings - US$'s AND Official Award Certificate!

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  11. Nancy B. HartleyApril 22, 2009 at 1:01 PM

    What a great spot to escape the heat. This painting is beautiful, and really illustrates a shady oasis in the midst of high heat! I love the beautiful colors, especially the blue water in the foreground.

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  12. Marian FortunatiApril 22, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    Your use of color, value and temperature are fabulous!!! I want to trip right down that path and dive right in.
    Beautiful, Laurel!

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