Sunday, August 29, 2010

plein air painting with mike


 
My friends Lisa and Mike came down for a couple days late last week, and gave me the perfect excuse to ditch work and enjoy the beautiful weather.
 Mike wanted to paint ... outdoors! Maybe I'm wrong, but I think such intrepidness is unusual in a beginning painter? And even in people who have been painting for awhile, like me: I really need someone else to spur me out the door.
We painted outside for a few hours Thursday and Friday, first at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May, and then down at the party boat/whale watcher dock.
The first three paintings here are Mike's--again, the great greens! Mike also draws well but doesn't let the drawing confine his painting. And his colors are so bright and fresh.


 
I really love the colors in this one: that bright blue in the roof and the reds in his greens. Those dots on the left are delightful--they make me think of David Hockney! ;-) 

 
This is a view of the back of the Chalfonte, a large and complex building. Mike's cropping makes the most of the various angles; and again there's a modern or abstract element, in the  blue- and yellow-filled square windows.
And here are two of mine. Mike wants to learn from me, but looking at the results of our outing, I'd say I have a lot to learn from him too!
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15 comments:

irinasztukowski said...

I love your paintings Laura. And I truly missed your posts. Glad you are back. I also make myself to go outside. It is hard. But today is going to be the day: California Watercolor Association holds plain air meeting in Presidio San Francisco. It is a sin not to go :)

Please keep painting. Mark needs to learn from you, right ?!

Thank you
Irina

Janie B said...

It must be fun to have someone to paint with like that. Both of you are awesome painters. Love all the pics.

shl said...

Has Mike studied formally--even years ago--or has he "just" been inspired by you and your work? WHAT a rewarding post!

knittingdragonflies said...

I love all of the paintings! Yours too! They are so bright and fresh, full of life!
Vicki

Barbra Joan said...

I am so glad to see you painting again and absolutly enjoying these paintings both yours and Mikes .
Your work still inspires me.!!

cathyswatercolors said...

I'd say success all the way around.
Good thing you got out to enjoy the weather,before we know it, it will be cold. sob:(

debwardart said...

It's great to have someone to paint with - and you can both learn from each other and bounce ideas around. They all look great!

Carol said...

I love to see your work! I was at the Chalfonte on Saturday, but not painting. Our paths almost crossed.

A Brush with Color said...

You two are inspiring each other--they're all great! I love these en plein aire studies. Really great colors and the subject matter takes me away. Sigh...

Autumn Leaves said...

Wow, Laura! First of all, your pieces are just exquisite. Truly beautiful and make me wish I could do that! I just seem to always wrestle with my watercolors thinking I should be in control and it shows. Mike's work is lovely too. I like the first of his pieces the best. The blue roof in the second one and those gorgeous red roofs in the third one are beautiful!

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

All this work sings summer, sunshine, color, and the outdoors.

RH Carpenter said...

Mike's paintings all have a free energy about them and are very fun to see his take on things. Good for him, not being afraid to get out there and paint! As for your paintings, there is always a calmness, a serenity. Like taking a deep, cleansing breath and slowing down to savor each stroke. Beautiful, as always!

Liana Yarckin said...

Laura, these all came out great! Wow, your plein air painting is so loose, wet and watercolory. Mine come out much drier and a little on the bland side. I agree with you, my favorite is the second one.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

It's true that Mike is doing nice work, but you are an amazing painter.
One of my favorites. Nice work with Mike.

XOBarbara

Diana said...

I'm glad you are back too!! this looks like a fun day and beautiful work, I know you are an inspiration to Mike, your work is especially lovely,Laura, take care, Diana-- stay safe in Hurricane Earl!