West Wittering

[Graham T]

We all spent the last couple of days at the coast, so I was able to try my hand at some plein air again, first time since October last year. Luckily I have a generous wife who doesn't mind me spending time completely self-absorbed in splashing paint around...

If nothing else the experience has reminded me how the sand gets everywhere when painting on a windy beach, and just how difficult it is to translate the picture I can visualise into what finally appears on the board. Lots more practice needed.

Anyway, these are all oils, 8 x 10. First one is beach huts at West Wittering, second is the harbour at Itchenor, last is a random field (I wanted to pick a simple subject that I had perhaps a better chance of doing justice to).

Comments and criticism very welcome, as ever. Thanks.

[danju]

Hello, Graham ~ I think these all have something to offer and you aren't afraid to use some paint - a good thing. Some of the skies appear to be threatening you with a need to duck for cover. The field painting seems the most convincing and I believe it's because you have captured the light conditions best. Glad you were finally able to get out and experience the elements. Dan

[Graham T]

Dan, thanks for the feedback. I think the last painting probably works best too; perhaps the other subjects were too complex. And you're right, I was dodging thunderstorms a lot of the time! Have to keep on practising

[Marmsk]

I love West Wittering and the skys are just normal for Britain. They are lovely paintings and I do like your impasto.

[Graham T]

Thanks Eileen. Have you been to West Wittering?

[helen_c]

I think you have perfectly captured the atmosphere of English skies and spring weather in these!

[Donna T]

All are very nice but I really like the field scene. You need to splash paint around more often!

[Graham T]

Helen, Donna - thank you both for the kind comments!

[Marmsk]

Yes, been to West Wittering. Is that where there is a stall for selling whelks, and jellied eels, etc. Went diving from there I think, or somewhere nearby. The south coast was our stomping ground on weekends.

[Graham T]

Didn't see any stalls, but I expect there are some. A nice place to paint - and to escape from London for a while

[treeshark]

Like the last one it gives a real feel for the day and you have the tone between sky and land just right.
Rob

[Graham T]

Thanks Rob. Getting that tone right is what I'm really finding difficult. That, and simplifying the scene (and a lot of other things too...)

I do find that the whole painting looks very different once it is back indoors; I'm considering getting a shade to clamp onto my easel for painting outdoors. What are your thoughts on that?

[treeshark]

Originally Posted by Graham T

I do find that the whole painting looks very different once it is back indoors; I'm considering getting a shade to clamp onto my easel for painting outdoors. What are your thoughts on that?

It is very hard to get tones right if the sun is on your canvas and or on your palette. I turn the easel away from the sun just to get a couple of key tones in. Then I am usually OK as the rest is relative. Some people paint at right angles to their subject but I've never got the hang of it. I often enough have to adjust some tones on a plein air once I get it indoors, especially if it is painted on a really bright day.
Rob

[Graham T]

Yes, it was a bright day when I painted these. I'll try to keep the palette and canvas shaded next time.