Char Harguth, " Outdoor Landscape"


   One of my fun memories was summer months plein aire painting with this week's artist. Since that time, I have met others who have  painted outdoors.  While Char and I set up chairs and easels in the grass, others have worked in their cars so as not to attract public attention.  I remember one specific day we were in an area park and a woman saw Char and was so curious she had to come visit and watch.   Although it was a friendly, sweet thing to do, it broke our concentration and we were unable to continue.  I know Monet painted in a boat on the river, maybe, also, to avoid the friendly public.   

   The painting Char has selected to share is beautifully executed.  It is perfectly balanced.  Notice how important the light post and small red tree to balance off the right side from the left.  The blue shadow, below, establishes a nice "base, off setting the heavy left top.  The curve of the road, is almost an exact duplicate of the curve of the visible sky.  
   When an artist is outdoors painting they are able to see the exact color of objects, nature.  Children think grass is green, a road would be black or brown, and a shadow dark, too.  But here, in mid morning, the sun is shining making the grass yellow/green, shadows are a beautiful blue, the road white.   What a difference it makes, being on site, not painting from memory indoors!  
   Here is what Char has written about this painting:  

"  The painting is 9 ½ by 11. It was done on a clear, quiet, summer day, mid morning, and a perfect time to be painting outdoors. which I prefer. The  road travels around a lake; the large trees are part of a park area. Trees and shadows are two of my favorite subjects and this scene gave me both. The road and sky both lead into the picture, and the hearty oak tress anchor it. Having spent most of my life in a rural area, I am attracted to nature and natural settings. It is a watercolor done in one sitting! To paint in a quiet space with only the sound of water ripples and a slight breeze is relaxing and a real delight for me!!"

Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.   

Special note:  This week's artist, Char Harguth, is the person who regularly sends comments in to this blog giving us her special reactions to the week's work.  Now you can see she is a competent painter, herself.   Thank you, Char!

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