Early Bird at Pioneer Art Fest

Early Light- 6" x 9"  Oil by Greg Newbold

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I did the Early Bird Paint Out at the Pioneer Art Festival as well. I couldn't get back to sleep Saturday morning after waking up at 4:45 a.m. so I decided I may as well get out and paint. I had not intended to go the early painting, but since I was awake anyway, I figured I might as well make good use of my time. I had done a little scouting trip at Wheeler Farm the week prior and had a couple of locations selected as possible motifs. I picked a little block house to paint since the value contrasts in the flat light of early morning would be the most visible.

I didn't know if I would get any direct light that early since the building had a heavy row of trees between it and the rising sun. It was a good thing I based my value pattern on the local values since the building never did get any direct sun before I had to turn my picture in at 8:00 a.m. The low light was a little bit of a challenge and I exaggerated the warmth of the palette for dramatic purposes, but I sort of like this little piece.

In progress- about 45 minutes into the painting

Shows and competitions like this one are a little strange because I normally never let anything out of the studio before I am satisfied. They never usually see the light of day before they reworked,  retouched and sealed. In this situation people see them before the paint is even dry which is a bit of a strange feeling, sort of like they are looking over your shoulder in the studio. In a way they are since people were stopping all morning long and having a look. I will definitely be adding a few details and a coat of varnish before I call this one done.