Rain and more rain

Power Poles  pastel on sanded paper 6x9

Section Line 6/24  6x9 pastel on sanded paper

We've gotten so much rain lately, the roads are mud, the dams and ditches are flooded.   I admit to rather liking this weather, at least for a while.   It lends an atmosphere that we don't see as often in my area.   Since all my gear is still loaded into Big Alyce (my tahoe), I went out last night even with spitting mist.   The sun was coming out every so often, and with everything so soaked, it was beautiful.  

The greens were so intense, as were the blue of the clouds passing over.    I was able to sit outside the car for a couple little sketches, enjoying the freshness of it all.   I used a deep blue jean colored paper, and put a hussle on it in case one of those deep dark clouds opened up.  

Roads are holding my interest lately and I especially like the section line roads--they are not traveled much and most are just a couple tracks leading off into the distance.   I would love to ride a horse down each one!   

Simple Life

I am trying more every year to keep my life simple.    One of the simplest ways to learn to draw, to learn to paint better, learn to SEE better, is to go out painting plein air.   Now, this isn't saying simple is easy, oh no, dear friend, far from it!   As an art buddy said to me recently, "the simple life is a lot of work!"  yup! 

To go do a simple plein air sketch, you gotta have your gear at the ready, and packed in the car is best.  I loaded my 3 set ups a few weeks ago and have gotten out a few times.    I always wonder why I dont' go more, and fully intend to; just somehow doesn't always turn out that way.  

But with my gear loaded, its pretty easy to just hop in the car and go!   Here's my sketches of recent...

Wet Road 5x5 pastel on canson paper   I didnt' even bother with sketchbook for a thumbnail, and this set fits in my lap in the drivers' seat, its very small!   Its somewhat a limited set but I was able to get what I wanted for the most part.

Field Studies, 6x6 and 6x9 copyrightCMCernetisch    These 2 are from sunnier days than the top on, and were both done on uart paper, with an underwash that you can still see.