Bastille Day 'Etudes and other news

Thought I'd post what I did at the Bastille Day festival since I was blogging about it in my last post. It was a fun event and saw many artist friends and familiar faces.

After I set up my pochade box I always seem I get hungry, so I downed my sandwich and apple and then got right to work. From where I set up, I viewed this colorful scene of a tapestry vendor selling fabrics from Provence. I didn't really get this one right, and after fussing with it for so long and many interruptions, I decided that I'd just do quick 5 min studies from then on out.

Funny, once I began to focus, the crowds stopped talking to me and began watching from behind. I really enjoyed the quickness and freedom to just make a quick gesture without trying to make a "piece". Sometimes, I get so hung up on making a piece of art instead of actually just working on creating. The fine line gets thinner every time I go out to plein air paint.

While I took on a more focused approach, I noticed that I stood with my legs standing apart, solid on the ground, my left hand on my easel (I guess to support my stance) and my eyes steady on either my subject or my color selection.

Some of my involuntary models knew they were being observed. One woman asked if I were an artist. Oh, I don't know....

Anyway, reporting from the field...

Bastille Day is officially on July 14th to celebrate the French Revolution.

This coming weekend paint-out will be in Hillsboro at the Walters Cultural Arts Center from 9:00am till 3:00pm. Judging the event will be Thomas Kitts and $1000 in awards will be presented as well as door prizes. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy this event! The public is welcome to come experience the creative process in action! See you there!