Another Lovely Day Painting at Kuerner Farm

At Kuerner farm, the painting gods were smiling this day by providing a gorgeous morning and holding off a torrential downpour until a half hour later. 

Painting setup in front of Kuerner barn.

Painting almost finished. 

Painting Studies at Kuerner Farm

Painting studies at Kuerner Farm

Located in the Brandywine Valley, the historic Kuerner Farm is the setting for many of Andrew Wyeth's paintings and sketches. Karl Kuerner III, whose family members are featured in Wyeth's paintings, is an accomplished painter himself. Through the Brandywine Conservancy and Brandywine River Museum, he offers plein air classes at the farm. I am thrilled to be taking part in this opportunity to explore this historic setting. 

No sooner had I blocked in this first study and it began to rain. Though discombobulating, rain does lend authenticity to plein air painting!

Painting in a Series - Part 2

Shown here are three more quick studies of the same view shown in the previous post. These were painted on various afternoons.

Painting a Series - Part 1

Painting a series of the same view demonstrates how much nature actually changes in what at first glance is a static scene. I am still amazed as I look out upon the view in this painting how different it is at any given moment. I could likely paint hundreds of  ten minute studies like these of this same view and still have no two exactly alike. Lighting changes by the minute and weather and seasons alter it all. Painting a series results in greater visual sensitivity and shows the limitless scope of nature's views.

Sticky Solution for Ticks

A foray into the gardens for a plein air painting inevitably results in a tick hitchiking a ride. I wrap my water bottle with a few rounds of masking tape making an easy solution. I tear off a two inch piece of tape, catch the tick with it and then fold it up. Scotch tape works, too. This beats having to try to touch the tick or find some way to kill them. They don't have the leg strength to get free from the tape.

Here's a fun experiment. Put your hand  behind a tick that is walking around. It will immediately turn around toward your hand. Could they somehow be used to identify a heat source in a scientifically critical situation and thereby redeem themselves?

No ticks today. With temperatures in the high 90's, I'll be in the cool air of the studio!

Sun Protection for Painting in Plein Air

This UPF 30+ lightweight hoodie made of recycled plastic bottles is PERFECT for painting and working outside even with the hood up and on a hot day. Wearing it with gloves (and pants!) one's face is the only area needing sunscreen. At $45 you might feel a little bad about getting paint all over it, but not being all gooked up with sunscreen makes it well worth it! (Note: This is NOT a paid link--I just really like the shirt's functionality!)