Last week we returned from our trip to Scottsdale. I had hoped to work our way up through Utah but it was too cold - at least for Cathy - so we headed back home. As we returned earlier than expected with headed to Tofino for 5 days before getting back to normal life. Gave me my first chance to do some acrylic plein air since last fall.
Off the coast at Ucluelet, south of Tofino, there is a great coastline that looks out into the Broken Group of Islands. A favorite kayaking destination. The Wild Pacific Trail is a great hike along the shore.
Working on a linen 11x14 I followed my thumbnail sketch to lay in the large shapes using acrylic markers - black for the foreground rocks, dark warm for the midground rocks and blue for the back ground . Keeping the planes separate in this way I think helps in early decision making.
I filled in the fore and mid ground with warm dark Dioz Purple ( Golden Liquid) and thinned it randomly with the rubber shaper to vary the intensity and create a rock-like feel. I then washed with Magenta the background - so its a bit of a two value plan.
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drying in the sun |
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Magenta added - and again drying in the sun |
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Finished "start" on location |
Took it back to the RV, popped it in a frame to consider. Decided to play with it a bit more. Finished piece is below and I think I might have lost some of the freshness and energy of the start done on site. Part of the game. But was sure fun getting out again.