Dustin’ Off the Ole Outdoor Easel

In October of 2009, I took my annual Fall vacation heading north to Sierra County, where one of California’s beautiful rivers winds its way through the Sierra mountains. The Yuba River waterway is lush with pine, oak, aspen, and birch; tinted with hues of jade, laced in variegating shades of gold and amber. It’s always my intent to plan one of my vacations around this time of year, as Autumn’s fusion of color is such an inspiration to me. 

Now, being a studio artist, I have always wanted to try my hand at plein air painting, but since most of my time spent in the outdoors has been at higher mountain elevations, laden down with about 45 lbs. of backpacking gear and trekking in about 20 miles, I’ve opted for using the camera to capture that which inspires me, rather than lugging in additional, awkward  equipment. The camera has also served a duel purpose  in recording my experience for use in the studio later.

In gathering together with my wife and dear friends in planning this trip, we agreed to give one another the freedom to explore whatever avenue each of us needed to infuse our souls with rest. We chose a cabin near a quiet spot located within a stone’s throw to the rivers edge, with access to gold panning, fishing and hiking as well.  I figured, with this scenario in the works, it would be a great opportunity to dust off the ole’ outdoor easel I’d inherited long ago, and give plein air painting a shot.  Although, I wasn’t about to leave the ole’ trustworthy Nikon behind, at least I’d be able to record some great memories for future reminiscing if I brought it along. 

As you can see there certainly is a lot of beauty to be captured in this neck of the woods, and I’d say my lens has given me much to chose from since I’ve been back to the studio, but I think I’ll save that upload of new paintings for another blog post down the road. So, as I was saying in the previous paragraph, I was looking for a new challenge this time around, and painting outdoors seemed to strike the right cord with my need for rest as well.

Now, first things first, I informed my wife and friends that I’d be up at the break of dawn, and if they intended to get more shut-eye than on most given days, than perhaps they should prepare for my early rise in whatever way they found necessary. I had promised them that there would be a fresh pot of java waiting from them, upon their rising,  if they would just humor me for just a bit that early in the morning on our first day in.

So, next morning, after two cups of coffee, with gear in hand, I set out for my first trial scenario on setting my brush to the palate in the great outdoors. I was intent on capturing those first rays of light filtering their way through the trees, softly lighting the waters surface and giving Fall’s color an illuminating glow, giving one the impression the light is radiating from within, rather than from an external source shining upon it.

With only a few short yards from the back door of our cabin, I set up my studio for the day along a portion of the rivers edge shown in the photograph directly above. My intent was to paint as long as I felt I needed. Usually I find great rest while painting, and I had no intention of moving through this process too quickly, regardless of light changes. I simply wanted to painted to my hearts content, and that I did!

The greatest challenge for me…capturing the light and color in my minds eye, and keeping it there as the light changed throughout the day.  Naturally, I’ve been accustomed to a photo reference, so without that I wasn’t real confident in the work at hand. Nevertheless, as the day went on, I’d say it was well worth the effort. At days end…I sat back with that last cup of Joe, feet up, next to a warm fire, encouraged about the upcoming plein air workshop I’d be attending in May of 2010, conducted by Plein Air Colorist, Camille Prezwodek. I’m hoping to implement her method of studying the effects of light and color, within our landscape environments, into the art I create. It’s just one more step to improve upon The Art of James English Babcock.

To learn more about Camille’s work, check out her website at http://www.przewodek.com/. You can also find her in  American Artist Magazine: Cover & Feature Article — December 2002 .