The Nepean Sailing Club is one of the MAA Plein Air most popular painting locations. I arrived early on the Thursday morning, to meet other artists on my list. I was surprised to learn from one of the sailboat owners, that the Nepean Sailing Club (NSC) is the largest sailing club of its kind in Canada, with some 500 boats docked in the harbour overlooking the mighty Ottawa River.
I traveled early, as usual, to give myself time to explore painting locations and get a feeling for the day. There was a heavy cloud formation hanging over the boats, and a promise of sun breaking through. I sensed a tension in the air as activity on the docks stirred.
The idea of arriving early and having the time to look around and get some impressions, without feeling rushed, was paramount to the process that was drilled into me when I first started painting. I watch artists today, arriving late, trying to set up their easels while casting about to see what others are doing, and I figure that they are heading for frustration.
The formula for success, for me, and I have said it many times, is that I don’t set up my easel until I have figured out just what I want to say and how it will be reflected in my painting.
I think Awakening reflects my feelings for that day.
Charlie

 I am often asked, Why do I paint outside so much when I have a studio? I could reply Because I enjoy the outdoors and the fellowship of other painters, or something like that. It’s true, but there is so much more.
With years of training and practise painting en plein air, I have learned to trust my instincts. When I’m out walking with my paints packed, I unconsciously search for subjects that resonates with me: the play of light and shadow, the magnificance of some tall pines, for example - things that give me a sense of wonder and place in this natural world. I stop to listen and I peer into the sky above and the shadows at my feet and all around and let the flood of images coalesce until a composition begins to resolve itself. It’s only when I am comfortable with a basic plan including the canvas size and orientation, I think about setting up my easel and getting out my paints.
The painting process itself will take 1 to 2 hours. During that time I become immersed in the process of painting; lost in the concentration of brush work, colours and the search for meaning. When I sense that the painting is finished I arouse to my surroundings, tired and exhausted.
It’s always a hit and miss situation when dealing with feelings, but when I get it right, I am transformed from a state of intense work to a euphoria of surprise and relief!
From across the road in Burrett’s Rapids, discovering the historic home made me stop in my tracks, wondering about its history. Who built it? How old is it? How the twin doors and spacious veranda fit into the story? I can only guess. Using the reception area as my theme, I painted a 14x11 canvas. After several days with the painting on my studio easel, where I could study it under studio lighting, I made minor colour adjustments, refined a few edges and I was finished.
Satisfaction from a great day!
Charlie Spratt
July 2024