Outdoor studio

As an aspiring sixth grade artist, I was given a book on art technique written by Henry Gasser, an artist and teacher. Of all the advice in that volume, what stuck with me most was the importance of drawing and painting from life, to the point where I became unwilling to do studio work. I was convinced that something essential is lost in translation when, at least in making representational art, the experience of seeing isn't immediately translated into work done in the moment, on site. So with rare exceptions, that's what I've done for over fifty years, most of it small in scale and in sketchbooks. I've enjoyed drawing and sketching from life as an avocation, and it's had its benefits, but over time it's gnawed at me that maybe I'm just scared to commit to more sustained and involved efforts. Lately, I've been saying to myself that I need to face the challenge and break out of my little box.

Today was a gorgeous Saturday here in Marietta, with almost no wind, clear skies and perfect temperature to spend the day outdoors. After an early morning trip to Lancaster's Central Market, we came home, put together an apple pie, then my cooking apron became an artist's apron as I gathered a large sheet of Rives BFK paper, a box of soft pastels, and a watercolor sketch I did a few weeks ago in Maine, and set up on the patio picnic table.

It's been almost twenty years since I last put much serious effort into working with pastels, and I had to set aside my intimidation at starting out on a big piece of paper. But the beautiful day and the memory of the quiet time I spent looking out across Stand Cove on that lovely fall afternoon helped me to stay focused long enough to do this.30" x 22-1/2", soft pastels on Rives BFK paper