Friday, June 17, 2016

Colorado Artist Laura Reilly - Outdoor Painting Season 2016

I am enjoying this summer's open air painting immensely
 - painting en plein air, setting the landscape free. 

We hear so much about artists trying to "capture" a scene or landscape
 -  paintings in bondage, what a concept.
I dont' want to capture the landscape, I want to liberate it!

Here are some of this year's plein air paintings.  
I'm looking forward to painting a lot more during outdoor painting season,
and using some of these as studies for larger pieces in the studio.


"Eloquent" - original acrylic painting, 6" x 12", Purchase info

Painted at Lake San Isabel, Colorado.  While I painted, the biggest
bumblebee I've ever seen - 2" long -
 buzzed around in a patch of yellow wildflowers next to me.


"Fireweed" - original acrylic painting, 4" x 12", Purchase info

Painted at Rock Ledge Ranch. It's been mentioned that it's a little early for fireweed, 
and could these in fact be phlox?
Too funny, but probably true, lol!  Lesson learned,  can't always identify from google pics!



"Shadowplay" - original acrylic painting, 10" x 8", Purchase info

Painted in my garden here at home. 
A recurring theme for me, sunlight and deep shadows.
Irises have been spectacular this year!



"Victorian Lilacs" - original acrylic painting, 8" x 8". Sold

 I painted this at Acacia Park, here in Colorado Springs, while the lilacs were at their peak. 
While I painted, the warming sun  brought out the scent of the lilacs.





"White Crabapple in Bloom" original acryic painting, 8" x 8". Purchase info

The first plein air painting of the season, this was painted across the street from
BonTon's Cafe, right here in Colorado Springs.

There's nothing like painting out in the open - there's a feeling of life that infuses the paintings, and the painter too!  and - painting outdoors makes me a better studio painter.

If you want to see these as they are painted, 

I'm looking forward to sharing more of these gems with you this summer!



Contact Laura - or leave you comments below!