Eaton Canyon Trail – Pasadena – Karen Winters Plein Air Daily Painting
Eaton Canyon Trail
8 x 10 oil on canvasboard
A plein air adventure SOLD
Although I had a wonderful time enjoying the company of my art pal Wendee while painting out in nature, today, just about everything that could go wrong, did.
When we got to the location, I discovered that I had left my palette at home. I had brushes and paint but no palette. After rooting around in the trunk of the car I found an empty Fedex envelope that served the purpose.
When you absolutely, positively have to paint.
It was quite breezy out there. So breezy, in fact, that the panel kept flying off the easel and landing on the palette. Yuk. So I ended up holding the painting in one hand (like the palette I didn’t have) instead of on the easel. It worked out ok.
By the time I got this far, the light had changed too much to continue. So I took a picture and finished it at home, in studio. (As above.) Thus ends the tale of lemonade from lemons, and one woman’s determination to enjoy her paintout day, no matter what.
Barbara
February 15, 2008
That painting is exquisite! I can’t believe how well it turned out when so much went wrong! – Barbara
sara
February 16, 2008
The painting turned out wonderful. I want to get into plein air painting, but haven’t done so yet. It is so much easier in the studio! But, you did a great job even with the problems that came up.
Don West
February 16, 2008
What a pill!
The painting turned out very nice regardless
Kudos on the heroic improvisational efforts.
Nancy
February 16, 2008
Perserverance and determination, you’ve got both! Despite the trials you’ve painted a beautiful trail!
Bill
February 16, 2008
Karen,
Pardon me for a little sympathetic humor at your story! Talk about the inventiveness of artists! I’m sure all or most of us have “been there, done that.”
First time out at the Quiller En Plein Air workshop last June, as it was called, the wind in Colorado was moderately strong. I had bought a neat little collapsible easel umbrella. I put it up, and it bent in half within a few minutes. I was able to bungee cord it to my easel, make-shift for the rest of the workshop! Had to squat a bit at times.
Like the rich color on that trail in your painting. Nice feel to it and not to much that it strains credibility!
Ann
February 16, 2008
Well, despite the obstacles you managed a beautiful painting! I really like the colors in this one, very soft and peaceful.
wendy
February 16, 2008
You are a persistent painter – with a hey-ho the wind and the rain – an old song is in my heard.
Yes, that circle shape is there in the photo. Nicely done.
w.
Jana Bouc
February 17, 2008
Brilliant! And small FedEx boxes make great wet painting carriers when stacked and duct taped together and carried flat. I really like the light and colors in this painting. It has a nice musical feel to it. Your blog overhaul is great…no more big gap before the comments start.
DebMc
March 7, 2008
I love this painting. I’m a photographer, but if I could paint this painting is what I’d like to create. I’ve been lurking at your blog for a couple of weeks being inspired.
Gregory
October 13, 2008
Karen,
I live actually two miles from Eaton Canyon in Pasadena and have never seen this trail. Where is it actually located? Also, I have been trying for a while now to locate two trails diverging such like the one in the poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. Do you know if there is such a place anywhere around Southern California or somewhere local because I have looked everywhere. Your art is very unique and elegant. Great job. Thanks for your attention.
Gregory Ekmekjian