Looking Back at Summer

Waterside Sketch

Looking back at Summer

I enjoyed playing with this little scene.  The water was high this year, and from my position on the hill, there were times when our small dock appeared to float in the sky.   I was intrigued by the reflecting light and colour, and never having sketched the folding chairs, wanted to try this as well.  I didn't entirely figure out the chair legs before the rain moved in, (see the reflection of incoming clouds, upper right).  Still, I think the sketch works, overall.

Two Chairs with Clouds Moving in

Two Chairs and a Moment of Sun

The next day the sun shone brightly, and I returned to sketch the same scene again.  I solved the issue of the chair legs, but think I prefer the first piece, where the darkening sky creates a greater contrast of tones in the water.   

Speed Painting Between Rain Showers

The "moody" weather this summer certainly added an extra challenge to outdoor painting!  I can't count the number of times the rain washed away my attempts only moments after I started!

But the fickle conditions also offered an opportunity to practise "speed" painting --- a valuable exercise in its own right!  And the soft, misty, lighting was actually much easier to work in than the glare of bright sunlight.

Here are a few "speed sketches" completed between showers.   The 3rd one, "Just Past the Gate" and the 5th, "Morning Water Sketch", were cut short by rain, but looking at them now, I think it was time to stop anyway.  Enforced simplicity.

Clouds

Silver jewel

Just Past the Gate

Sumac Path

Morning Water Sketch

Five Minute Cows

Five Minute Cows

Some images are so fleeting they're probably more suited to photography than painting.  When these cows began assembling along the fence line, I knew they'd be fun to paint, but would likely be gone before I even set up.  Still, I had to try!  Scrambling to gather watercolours, brushes and a folding chair, I was "in position" within seconds, and miracle of miracles, my visitors were still there!  For the next three, perhaps five minutes, they gazed solemnly through the tangle of vegetation and fence wires, while I rapidly splashed down my impressions.  Then, just like that, they turned and moved away.

Oh, where did our summer go!  I hope everyone has enjoyed this short, sweet season!

 Art Tracks studio received a fresh coat of paint this week, and classes are now set to resume.  Our first after school class of the season will take place Wednesday, Sept. 13th, and run weekly throughout the school year from 3:20 - 4:35.  If your daughter or son would like to join us, please drop me a line.  Enrolment is on a first come, first serve basis, but if interest surpasses class capacity and numbers suffice, we'll open another  class.  Potential time slots are Wednesday, 4:45 - 6:00 p.m. and/or Tuesday, from 3:20 - 4:35.

Art Tracks weekly adult art class will also resume on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  This is an open studio program offering techniques and feedback as you work in the media of your choice.  All levels are welcome, so feel free to drop me a line at: fhallmanchong@gmail.com.

Once again, I look forward to meeting with our marvelously creative artists.  Being surrounded by so much talent and enthusiasm is always inspiring!