En Plein Air Mc Henry County

Hot day! more humidity from much welcomed rain.
Under the main shelter with a nice breeze, hot , but never the less a breeze.
Thinking i was protected from the sun. Well , yes, the sun. Not noticing the glare on my painting.
Finding it difficult in getting the darkest darks, lightest lights.
I walked away , found the pond everyone was talking about.
When I returned I saw the glare.
I fixed what I could , packed up .
Will return to the pond tomorrow.

Chicago sky line from East Grant Park

The storms happily drove me into my studio.
I missed my sanctuary.
Today I worked from the digital photograph I took to try and fix the washed over foreground.
Attempting to bring depth.
I believe it's coming along .
I'm liking the light wash of the background, building the foreground with more layers of color making it thicker.
Still needs work, I'm setting it a side to decide my next move.
Remember values, darks middle and light to give it depth.
And I like it, but it's not quite polished enough

Why you say !

Because when it's below zero I can look back and remember the summer I painted out in 100 degree weather.

Earning my stripes , Plein Air at Brookdale, conservation 103 degrees on my car temp at 3:45 pm

What a day.
I just couldn't help myself. I txt my painting buddy, let's go paint.
Nanette, my painting buddy ( do you know how humid it is outside? ) well yes it's summer.
We met to check it out. When I arrived she had already worked up a sweat scouting out Brookdale, our favorite go to spot, much like the little black dress of Plein Air. Water, wild flowers, nice buildings, indoor bathrooms . Almost everything you need.
We found a spot , both dripping wet, we had to paint.
We went back to the cars, that are sitting in the sun. Got our stuff and headed out.
The location we chose today had everything depth , slight color change light, darks and middle tones.
I continued to paint when I lost my shade, my little umbrella just covered my easel and palette as the afternoon progressed, I surrendered to the sun beating on my right arm, foot and leg.
Yes! Thank you bullfrog, best sunscreen with bug spray. No sunburn

I reached my car turned on the AC waited for my partner in crime to make it to her car!
We thanked each other for the support and encouragement. We headed to our homes for a nice cool shower and drink.
I'm so blessed to have the support from my family and friends.
Thank You.

While chatting with Mom

The extreme heat has forced me to grab the sketch bag with my water colors in it.
I just can't lug my French easel and oils in this heat.
And there is something about water colors that for me have a cooling affect .
I am enjoying the simplicity and the challenge, of working with watercolors being pushed to think in a different realm is always mind stretching.
I have made new friends and explored a new part of the city that I would have never thought to do. Bringing them to the nursing home. I have gained some more confidence along with giving mom a chance to watch me work . Or should I say , me the pleasure of working for her.
Expanding ...... Always good.
But how I do miss my oils .

View from North East Grant Park

Soon this part of the park will be under
Construction.
I plan to return frequently during the summer to document more of the area that will be changed. Trees removed the square sidewalks that grace the area will
Soon be replaced with winding , rambling ones.
This painting needs a few more lines pulled into the green and some light on the hydrangeas.

Lake Shore Drive , Randolph and Grant park.

After walking all over the city I found my Palette friends, painting.
It was hot, hot, hot.
I sat in the shade for 45 min recuperating from the walk in the extreme heat.
Well worth it. Even with the biting flys .
Having not worked in water colors in over 20 years, it was kinda fun.

Train ride , watercolor 6 x 9

Just made the train, while getting settled I noticed two elderly me in deep conversation .
Just as I started painting them, up and off the train they paraded.
I did a quick wash.