After working in my studio this summer while the weather was so hot, it was a pleasure change gears and do some plein air painting.

Last week I traveled to Georgia with a group of seven other artists to Ft. McAllister State Park. We stayed in the park cabins on the edge of the salt marsh. Although we refer to the place as “Bugville” based on past experiences, the bugs were kept at bay by insect repellent and a cool breeze. We ventured out to paint on the causeway over the marsh or a nearby marina early in the mornings.

On the first day my intention was to do some small “warm ups” on paper. I simplified shapes and focused on capturing one idea and moving on to another piece without getting caught up in details. I drew in the basic composition with darks first, then blocked in the marsh and sky. I painted several more layers back and forth between the foreground and the background until I was satisfied.

By midday the sun was hot, and we gathered in the shade of the elevated cabins to paint views of the marsh. The sun overhead made dappled patterns on the ground. As we worked, we compared notes on types of easels, favorite brushes, and the best restaurants for dinner. As the light changed, I found that the colors in my paintings changed. The stronger light increased the contrast of light and dark and varied the greens in the palms from translucent yellow-green to light blue reflected light from the sky.