12 x 16 on Cradled Birch Board

One joy of summer is to pack up my truck, with my paint and easel, to go out for a drive. The landscape is beautiful and close to my house. I’ve had some great times along these country roads. I remember once a farmer took a few turns around his field. Curiosity got the better of him and he stopped to come over to see what I was up to. We had a fantastic talk about trying to capture the feeling and spirituality of the land. He graciously said I had caught it.

Often on these trips, I listen to books on tape. I have a special memory listening to Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The author reads the book on tape, and you can download it from the library. It meant more being out on the land listening to it.

I started plein air when I was twelve. It is always a return to the beginning of things for me. It reminds me to look and paint what I see. A lot of plein air work can see formulaic to me. But I am more interested in study during these painting sessions.

And the bonus is to spend some time outside admiring the view.

Country Roads