When Spring Comes to Eaton Canyon - by Karen Winters
“When Spring Comes to Eaton Canyon” 11 x 14 oil on panel
Today I had the pleasant experience of painting at Eaton Canyon in Pasadena with my teacher and one of her other classes. The day was gray and overcast when we arrived around 9, but by 1 pm patches of blue sky were appearing and disappearing, here and there. As those of you who are plein air painters know, trying to paint under changing light conditions is more than a little challenging, so you just try to get the color notes as best you can and push on.
Below is a photo of the actual scene and my setup. You can see how I’ve changed the direction of the path and removed the stones that line it. That formal path makes it look more like it’s in a preserve (which it is) rather than in the wilderness.
Bill asked a good question earlier today in reply to my previous painting “Incoming Tide.” He said “Do you take breaks?” The answer is … somewhat. Like everyone else I have “day job” work to do as well as tasks of daily living like making dinner, laundry, housekeeping and so forth. And my husband and I have some “must-watch” TV shows that we like, such as Jeopardy! and House. And we like to watch documentaries (our business) and to keep up with news and politics. But other than that, I’m either painting, reading about painting, watching a video about painting or thinking about painting. Obsessed? Maybe a little. Or maybe just catching up for the years when I was enjoying other good things and painting could not be a priority. Art brings me entertainment, relaxation, stimulation, growth and joy. I have always dreamed in color and nowadays when I dream I walk through rooms and look at art on the walls. I’m doing what I love every moment of the day. Who could ask for more?
Really nice painting. Enjoyed your commentary. I am looking forward to the time when my walls are full of art that I made with my hands. I find that even though I am busy making a living at my day job and when I do other things, I am thinking about art and what I want to try next.
Looking at the actual scene and then looking at what you “pulled” out of it is incredible! Your tone and color range is so much broader!
Karen,
I like the distant hills and sky.
Hopefully it looks this beautiful in May.
Elio
I enjoy your paintings, Karen, and your joy in doing them. Thanks for showing us your setup for painting. I’d like to see more of it including your easel, stool, water bucket, carrier, and have you talk about what you take on your plein air excursions and why.
I love your paintings. Now, so many great ones in a row. I am getting a little jealous. Great work.
I’m not surprised you work so hard at this, Karen - it shows. This is another really wonderful piece, and it’s so enlightening to see the composition you created next to the raw view.
Beautiful painting…….good greens!
Obsessed? Of course you are. Delightfully so.
People say the word ‘obsessed’ like it is a bad thing. lol Frankly, my obsessions keep me sane.
I love your paintings and the thoughts you share about the process.
Been awhile for me. I wanted to check back into your website. Wow you have been busy. Very nice painting here. I too know the balancing of time spent with the necessities of life versus painting or drawing. I would love to have time to do more of the latter as you do. It helps to see people like you that succeed in doing both. Keep up the great work.
First time I’ve been here, and I love this top painting! How long did it take you to do it, and do you sell the originals?