Freedom to paint en plein air all day every day! With the approval of the weather gods of course.

One of our group had some local knowledge, so we planned our possible locations. Then, we prepared to start the marathon. We’re on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia.

Our first paintings were done near the jetty in Nubeena. In one direction, there were boatsheds, which I tackled (above). In the other, a lovely big gum tree was shading the beach with interesting patterns. Some other time perhaps. As a first one for the trip it turned out well. There’s always something you’d do differently, but it’s best not to dwell on these things, especially when working en plein air. One must go home when it gets dark after all!

So, that was day 1.

Onwards to day 2 – Coffee at Port Arthur Lavender Farm first, before painting within their grounds. It was very pleasant with all the lavender around us. Scouting around, there was a nice shady spot on a bit of a hill. It overlooked a lavender bed with a gate beyond that seemed like a good composition.

A chance to use some dioxazine purple! And one not to be missed. It livens things up nicely. Here’s my quick pre-painting sketch.

We lunched on the grass at Stewart’s Bay, near the beach – for ready access of course. Looking around for inspiration … I wasn’t feeling it. Though the inlet and bay are very nice, after the lavender farm, I wasn’t in a beachy mood. That left me with people! I don’t “do” people normally folks, so it felt a bit intimidating. Pulling myself together, I set up and prepared for action……. Ommmm!

How’s this for a lonely tentative easel, all set up and patiently waiting for action?

“Start the painting with the sky,” I always say. It relaxes you into the painting somewhat, even with the prospect of getting likenesses of the human form looming.

This painting was a success in that the people shapes look ok, but I felt I’d tackle it differently if I was to do it again. For one thing, I’d hope to be more relaxed.

Having visited my outdoor studio for progress “viewings” along the way, my subjects ventured over en masse before escaping my clutches and going home. I love it when kids are interested.

More to come! Thank you for reading about my art adventures. I hope you enjoy them.

---

If you’d like to see the art I have listed for sale, please go to Bluethumb.

You can also keep up with what I’m up to on Instagram and Facebook.