It was unseasonably warm today, so I got outdoors for my first plein air of the year. This picture features my local pharmacy, the Westbard Rite-Aid, which recently closed. The painting is one in my series of “doomed buildings of Bethesda.” I chose to use just one color, transparent red oxide, plus titanium white.
Geoff Watson, “Westbard Rite-Aid, shuttered,” oil on linen panel, 6” x 12.” Available.
I've been accepted into Plein Air Easton, one of the most prestigious plein air painting competitions in the country! The week-long competition will be judged by the President of the Met Museum in New York. There will be receptions, public painting events, all sorts of fun — it’s a festival that attracts thousands of people. Plus, last year the artists sold over $400,000 in paintings.
I'm very excited! Plein air is my favorite way to paint, and Easton is a fabulous opportunity. Details here: https://pleinaireaston.com/home
I did this quick study in about 90 minutes in life class yesterday. The instructor asked us to experiment with a loose start, massing in shapes without any explicit drawing. I was surprised how well this method worked; I got a pretty good likeness pretty fast. It’s not as finished as I would like, but it was a good foundation.
Geoff Watson, ‘Quick study of Chris,” oil on linen panel, 11” x 14,” 2020.