Thought I could contribute to the spirit of experimentation in this thread.
by offering something a little different..
So early this summer, I pulled out one of my older tripods, and screwed a pochade box on to it. Given how much I enjoy capturing making pictures of the Michigan landscape with a camera, I have also been wanting to explore outdoor or "plein air" oil sketching for a couple of years now. So I finally decided to make a concerted effort. And I'm loving it. I finally feel like I can really study light, shadow, hue, warmth and coolness while allowing my feelings about the scene to be expressed in the moment. I find I am very much of the impressionistic mindset (versus the often laborious representational or tonal painting style)
I enjoy the goal of being able to finish a sketch in about an hour or two. Using a limited palette- 2 of each of the primary colors plus white, to make up all the tones. Just getting started..
It's like writing a poem vs writing a thoroughly accurate textbook. Yet being truthful about what I am seeing and feeling. Quite different from the accuracy in the world of the Digital SLR, yet there is beauty in both.
So I hope to be doing both for a good while. Paint when I can in brighter, subtler light; and then run around like a banshee with the camera when the dramatic golden hour rushes by. Its all good. And I think this 'artistic' thread is as good as any to share some sketches and studies of the Michigan landscape.
Its all about being able to get out. :smiley_drive: and for me, this forum and its members have always been a huge inspiration.
Fenville, MI 8X10
Fayette, UP MI 9X12
Copper Harbor, UP MI 8X10
High Rock Bay, UP MI 9X12
Copper Harbor, UP MI 8X10
Zeeland, MI 8X10
Fayette, UP MI 12X12
Munising, UP MI 8X10
Hudsonville, MI 10X12