Thomas Cole 's Pochade Box

Thomas Cole (February 1, 1801 – February 11, 1848) was an American artist. He is regarded as the founder of the Hudson River School, an American art movement that flourished in the mid-19th century. Cole's Hudson River School, as well as his own work, was known for its realistic and detailed portrayal of American landscape and wilderness, which feature themes of romanticism.^[1]

Saratoga Geyser Painting for the benefit at my grandsons' school

So I'm so loving the mini painting and plein aire ..I'm excited about my new Sienna plein aire pochade box , arranging pastels for a lanscape trip .  I'm saving the ones I used for this painting of the Saratoga Geyser as I tend to use these greens and blues . I will add other colors as needed.

Class with Robert Carsten .

So yesterday was the class with Robert Carsten  and. He demonstrated how he does an underpainting 

Prior to beginning his actual painting .I often underpaint but now I will do it every time the way he does.

The process satisfies the need to paint with a brush. I started by drawing shapes and blocking in solidly with opposing colors using lights and darks creating a value study and working out the composition. Then taking alcohol and a stiff bristle brush painting each area and letting seridipity take charge. Here is the underpainting .Stay tuned for the finished painting.

My first Mini Pastel

FI had some small scraps of Wallis paper left over  and some square frames with a mat opening of 5x5

I decided to experiment with a tiny painting. It forced me to paint less detail .I enjoyed my mark making .here is the painting. I think I will donate to Wildwoostock benefit.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” –Pablo Picasso