Not Downieville but the Yuba!

Painting #1 on Arches 140# rough 7 x 9 inches

I had planned on painting in Downieville, a little mountain town that nestles along the edge of the river. I arrived promptly at 8 am but I found that the town was in complete shadow, the mountains surrounding this town are close and tall. Funny because I was thinking about arriving at 7 am but got to thinking that the sun wouldn’t be making it appearance until later. I asked a local man and he told me that I would have to wait until 9 am! what! I decided to go on up the road and paint at an area that I have painted many times and also have swam with the family.

My general scene of three paintings

Painting #2 on Saunders #200 7 x 9 inches

This is my favorite painting out of the entire bunch…there is something about this one that feels almost perfect. I haven’t figured out why, is it the composition, colors? what? any idea? By the way to paint where I did, I had to scramble over rocks and avoid plunging into the river, it was very fun! I had been dealing with vertigo off and on this past month and it is so much better. It had me worried when I was having it several weeks ago because all I could think of is that I HAVE to Paint!

The other problem I ran across is that I forgot my palette, so I improvised. I used the lid to my container of water.  I was planning on using a rock if anything, nothing was going to stop me from painting.

My underpainting for painting #3

My finished painting #3 on Arches 140# rough 7 x 9 inches

For some reason I didn’t finish this painting and later in the studio I thought I would finish it up. It was a fun exercise because I used my memory and “what needs to be done” abilities.

My scene for the next two paintings

 

 

Painting #4 on Arches 300# rough 11 x 14 inches

I had a lot of fun trying to paint this one but I got lost in the details and while I was fiddling around, my light was changing. I then proceeded to chasing light and lost my initial focus. I need to learn to get in and get out as quickly as possible. After all this is plein air right? Not meant to be a masterpiece or a refined studio piece. Keep It Simple Precious! I ended up with some nondescript areas and that is alright, I count this as a good exercise.

Painting #5 on Arches Saunders #200 7 x 9 inches

I decided to give it one more try. I went loose and fast, what do I have to lose? Absolutely nothing! My problem is that I am an aggressive painter, my approach is to throw on the paint and sometimes I muck it up or can’t go back the other direction. I can’t seem to hold back that urge and with watercolor careful planning while being aggressive is pulling out an juggling act on my part.

I took longer than usual getting this post out because of having a bout with carpal tunnel, I have been trying to rest my hand and avoid using my computer mouse so much. If any of you deal with this I would like to hear what has helped you other than surgery.

 

Learning Points:

• It is alright to be aggressive but also plan ahead, a few steps ahead is all that I need.
• Just because I am painting on a larger sheet of paper doesn’t mean to go slower and more detailed.
• Keep it loose, watercolor loves to play and I love to play too!
• Working with fresh paint is Marvelous!!!
• Remember to double check my equipment and supplies before leaving.