Friday, June 22, 2012

Oil City, Little Grey House

oil on paper
5.5"x6"
sold

One of the things I love about painting on location is the way the slim expanse of time I spend standing and working becomes a little pocket of memory. Even now, looking at this painting, I can remember the man who stopped to tell me now much he loves this view, and how St. Joseph's (seen here in the distance, looking a bit like a rabbit with very alert ears) has seen him through good times and bad. 

I also remember the 85 year old woman who came down off her porch three times to talk with me, walker and all. I remember exactly what she said- "Do you ever watch Bob Ross? He paints so fast and his hair is so curly. Well I guess he is deceased now." 

I remember the sounds, the smells, the quality of the light. It's almost as if I set up and meditated there. Nothing quite so peaceful yet so all absorbing as painting plein air, for me.

3 comments:

  1. Taryn, you have expressed your thoughts about your plein air experience so beautifully, and your painting is magnificent. I really enjoy it when people who live in the area where I am painting come up to me and talk...even the ones who ask if I know Bob Ross.

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  2. Beautifully said, and beautiful painting.

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  3. Thanks Claire and Jody. This particular painting, and the particular spot I stood in to paint it, will always be a part of me. Sounds sappy but true.

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