Monday, May 7, 2012

Pikes Peak Welcome - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

First Plein Air Painting of the Season

original oil on gessoed panel
6" x 12" x 3/8" 
painting continues arounds sides for a beautiful finish.


Can a landscape love you back?

This was the first plein air painting of the season.    The lure of the outdoors has been on me lately - the freshening breezes of spring, birds and bees humming in the blooming garden, sudden brightening of color - all have been sending the siren song - "come out, come out and play with us - and bring your paints!".  But here I was, rusty, awkward, and gawky -  unfamiliar with my outdoor equipment after months of studio painting.   I thought I'd better ease into this plein air thing, unsure as I was feeling, yet anxious and exhilarated, too, at the prospect of being out in the real world with my paints again!

So,  I thought I'd visit an old and trusted friend - I went to paint Pikes Peak and the Gateway Rocks.  We love the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and I think they love us back. I sure felt welcomed by my old friends today!