Second time around

8x10 oil "Tracks in the Snow"

This painting was started last winter at Spooner Lake.  It just wasn't right.  So I came home and painted out a big bush in the front with grays.  Then, I did not get around to finishing it.

Last week I went up to Mount Rose Summit - to the Tahoe Meadows area.  It was a grey sky day, but lots of new snow.  The best part was no wind.  Although it was cold, I had brought out my old ski clothes from storage and the snow shoes.  I snow shoed up the hill where the families were sledding.  In an area of willows, the scene was similar to my old painting (which I brought along just in case).  So I set up and started painting over my old painting.

I had forgotten how cold weather stiffens up oil paints.  But I just thinned it down with turp.  I really enjoy painting snow.  There are so many colors in snow and it is fun to try different combinations of warms and cools.

"Across the Ice" pastel painting

"Across the Ice" 11 x 14 pastel

One thing that is nice about pastel is that you can be interrupted, for an hour, a day, a week or more.  No paints to dry out.  No paints to try to mix to match the colors you already have on the canvas.

I started this painting and was interrupted for a while and then we went on a week vacation.  Back home, I picked up where I left on and finished this today.

The cows were a challenge!  I certainly should draw them more, but they were just a novelty for me this time.  Still, I do love pastoral scenes and would like to do more in the future...

"Winter in Washoe Valley" oil painting

"Winter in Washoe Valley" 8 x 10 oil on panel

This is the painting I did out in the field on January 1st.  It was finished there, but was so wet, I did not take it out of the wet panel carrier until today to photograph it.

I am preparing for another outdoor paint-out with my friend in 2 days.  I have been preparing a new set-up for my oil kit.  I'll post it tomorrow.  I think the new set up is going to work better for me and I'm looking forward to trying it out.