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This body of work is a collection of en plein aire studies created while painting at various shorelines of Vancouver Island. Each study has captured a moment in time, hoping to convey the emotions and atmosphere of the scene. Working quickly is necessary as conditions constantly change such as weather and sometimes the subject matter exiting the location. This causes a loose, quick brushstroke and creates an impressionist effect of the landscape. I love the connection with nature when the sun is shining but also enjoy the challenge of battling the elements on a wet and windy day.
My medium is oil on canvas. I start by applying a loose wash of a transparent colour such as yellow iron oxide. This provides a warm, earthy neutral and creates colour harmony for the piece I am painting. Using the alla prima method, I begin with thin darks using my brush to sketch and work out the composition and blocking in the big shapes. I finish with my lightest lights, adding Liquin medium to create fat, juicy textures.
Painting en plein air allows me to see colours that photographs can’t achieve. I am constantly surprised when I take a photo of a scene only to be disappointed by the outcome. The shadows are often a solid, flat black and lack the subtle colours reflecting that I am seeing while on location. With use of texture, colour and composition I to strive to tell a story and convey emotion.
