Beus Pond

I decided to get out and paint on Saturday, after being turned back the previous weekend by high winds and freezing temperatures. It was a spectacular day for January. There is a lovely little area by Weber State University called Beus Pond. I discovered it this fall by accident while scouting painting locations along the foothills behind the University.



I trudged out into the snow off the asphalt walkway that rings the pond,
and found a nice spot to paint.


Step One: Intitial block in.

Early on I'm trying to establish value relationships and compostion. The red shape on the left next to the tree is a large metal water tank. I tried addingit to the painting, but I found it to be distracting, so I left it out.

Step Two: Refining shapes and values.

Here I'm concentrating refining values and color relationships. I'm still keeping things very loose, and adjusting compostional elements.

Step Three: Adding additional detail.

Here I'm trying to add more detail to the established patterns and adjusting positive and negative shapes.





Step Four: Final detail and finish.

I'm concentrating on edges and final value and color adjustments. Also, my feet are getting really cold! The other danger at working on the painting too long is that the light continues to change. If your not careful, you can wind up chasing your tail trying to adjust to the changes in light.

Spring City

I participated in the Spring City plein air competition in September. Spring City is a quaint little town in central Utah. I had never been there, so I didn't know exactly what to expect. I found it to be a great place to paint, historic architecture, rural landscapes and nice people. I would have like to have had more success with the weather. Rain on the second day shut down my attempts at getting another painting in. Even so, it was a nice get away, and I hope to return this year.