Ft. McAllister State Park is along the banks of the Ogeechee River and Redbird Creek in Georgia. The creek forms a salt marsh where the level of the water among the grasses rises and falls with the tides. Along the edges of the marsh are palmetto trees, smaller palms, live oaks, and Spanish moss.  A causeway (raised road) provides a vantage point for a long view across the marsh almost at water level.

Early morning painting on the causeway at Ft. McAllister State Park

One morning I was up early and went out with another artist to paint before breakfast. I set up my easel and chose a view of a palmetto tree and soft light on the marsh. For my support, I chose an less-than-successful acrylic painting on watercolor paper that had soft green and violet colors. Painting over an old piece is less intimidating that starting with a pristine white surface, and layering adds depth and texture. I painted quickly, trying to stay with the soft light, low contrast, and reflection of the light in the water. As I painted the light changed quickly, the shadows became stronger, and the colors became more saturated. When I found myself chasing the changes, it knew it was time to stop and head for breakfast.

Early morning was a good time to paint. The air was cool, and I felt myself absorbing the smell of the pluff mud and the calls of the birds. I’ll reflect those sensory impressions in later work although I won’t reference them directly.  I love the freshness and spontaneity of work done on location, but I don’t worry about producing a finished work each time I go out.  I also value accumulating resources for future work.

How to you view plein air work?  Is your goal to produce a finished piece or store references for future work?