Setting aside the joys of just being outside experiencing our magnificent countryside in all seasons and sharing the occasional good times with artistic friends, what is it that drives artists like myself to paint outdoors?

When you think about it, there are plenty of obstacles to venturing out. Changing weather and freezing temperatures don't make it easy, neither do mosquitoes, black flies, ticks and poison ivy. Makes one wonder - where is the reward?

When I set out, loaded with painting gear, I keep an open mind as to a subject for the day, unless I am giving a demonstration for example. When I find a motif that interests me, I like to be free of outside influences so that when I settle in to paint, the time of day, weather and light conditions – all the ambiences - will be at play. That's my mission. Sometimes the process comes easily leading to a quick start. At other times it is evasive – time to move on.

This chance process leads to the occasional poor effort. They get discarded. When my instincts all come together, and I record what excites me, I can produce a painting that far exceeds my expectations; the years of painting experience provide me with the means to go beyond detail, to listen to my inner voices and to allow the painting to sail on without conscious effort. And when at last, I put down my brushes, I feel exhausted, drained. I pack up my paints with a big smile and a warm feeling of deep satisfaction.

The painting, The Back Gate, (above) is a case in point. On a sunny day in June, I came cross an unusual gate in the forest. A brilliant sun was lighting up the background and garden grounds beyond. I was mesmerized by the effect. Who would use the gate? Why did someone go to the trouble to carefully make it and install it into the the old log fence? In short time I had an idea for a painting. I had enough to make my own story.

And no, I don't just like plein air painting – I love it!  I hope that my paintings show it.

Charlie
June 2022

#219922 Summer Morning Along Poole Creek 30x36, repainted.

Back in the summer of 2019, before COVID 19, I painted Summer Morning Along Poole Creek from a 11x14 plein-air sketch. The painting captured the day very well, in my assessment, but I always felt that it was dark: faithfully recording the silhouetted trees and shadows and the closed in feeling of the stream and surroundings.

This spring we were blessed with a surprisingly quick recovery from the cold dark days of winter as the snow disappeared and green buds arrived practically over night. I walked the trail daily, revelling in warm weather, watching as the trees and undergrowth changed and the creek receded. I took photographs and made sketches to record the welcome transformations.

When I had the time, following the successful 10-Collective art show at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, I took out Summer Morning Along Poole Creek, removed the 30x36 canvas from its picture frame and set it up on my easel.

I studied it with fresh eyes. I asked myself, “could I repaint it using the pent up synergy of this spring?” The risk: that there's no going back.

At first I started in tentatively, trying small strokes of green in varying shades of higher values. Then left it on the studio easel for a week or so. Finally, when I felt the excitement of anticipation building, I squeezed out a full palette of Golden acrylic colours. Using Golden Glazing medium and large brushes, I began work in earnest until the canvas was transformed, all the while constantly walking back and forth from my easel to assess the overall effect.

Adjustments followed with several trips to Poole Creek at different times in the day to observe shadows, reflections and new greens. When I put down by brushes a further two weeks later, I felt satisfied that I had lifted the painting to a new high. You see, as I often explain to others, I believe that painting is about technique – for sure, but it is also about listening to yourself and expressing those thoughts in an artistic, meaningful way.

And never stop trying to do better. . . .

Charlie

May 2022

The Mississippi River passes through the town of Almonte, winding it's way northwest to the Village of Blakeney, where it transforms into fast-flowing rapids. Standing near the bridge overlooking the rapids, I sense the immense power in the turbulent water at my feet, before it disappears, plunging down in wild waterfalls: the sounds roaring in my ears, creating a sensation of time in suspended animation. My imagination drifts back to earlier times in history when Blakeney was a lively thriving centre with water turbines, mills, stores, shops and homes located close by. Now, a few rusted parts at the entrance to the path going down to the waterfalls are visible. Yet, the river continues it's journey as if time itself was inconsequential.

Plein air painting locations often have a special effect on me: a feeling that despite all my worldly cares and efforts at keeping busy, my life is just one insignificant part of this incredible, natural world and then I take comfort in the thought that I am so lucky to be out here, grasping at the enormity and beauty of it all. And feeling so very THANKFUL.

#2221016 Suspended 20x24 was created in my studio in early March this year, between multiple trips back and forth to Blakeney for photography and sketching reference material, on late afternoons when the low winter sun's rays warm cold skies.

Charlie
March 2022

This painting and others will be featured at my booth at the Ten Ten Collective Art Exhibition at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, Saturday, April 23 and Sunday April 24, 2022. All are welcome. Covid restrictions will apply.

I wish I had a new paint brush for every time I have been asked “How long does it take you to make a painting?” I stumble for an answer trying not to seem disingenuous or flippant. In the case of a plein air 11”x14” sketch, from set-up to packing up takes 11/2 hours or so, not counting the time driving to a location and choosing the right spot plus hours of studio work in some cases.

In the case of a large studio piece, there are numerous contributing factors. Firstly, the inspiration for the work may take weeks or longer before it morphs to the concept stage, followed by composition planning and scaling choices ( ie: 20''x24'' landscape or 40”x40” square) in an effort to create the best statement. Often it means returning, when possible, to the sketching location to reaffirm the original intent. As a result, there could be many hours invested before there's a brushstroke on a canvas. Some might suggest that the conception and planning stages are not part of the actual painting process; I would argue that they are, in fact, integral. It is paramount that as artists, we take time to examine our own impressions and thoughts as we go about creating and sharing our story.

Once the painting takes form on my canvas, it might only be one or two days to set out the basic layout. Then, there is the process of back-checking the sketches to make sure the painting has the element of truth in it, followed by trial and error corrections and adjustments. Finally, the painting is hung where it can be observed from time to time to make sure it can survive repetitive examinations.

In the case of First Light - Version II (above), the inspiration came from recollections of a trip to Algonquin Park some years ago with artist friends when the outside temperature dropped to -40 and I painted a canvas by looking out a cabin window .  on Oxtonque Lake. Using that painting as a reference, I began work on a 30x40 canvas this January to show the solitude and energy of the Park in the grip of a cold January day. That painting, unfortunately, did not survive the repetitive examination test.

And so, the process began all over again using a smaller 24x24 canvas. I feel satisfied now, that I got the feeling right this time. It has past scrutiny and received my signature.

How many hours to make a painting? The answer: it is not important. Only the final result counts.

Charlie
January 2022

One place that draws me back to paint in all seasons, is Mount St. Patrick in the Highlands of Renfrew County. Since it is only a 20 minutes drive from Calabogie, I made several painting trips there on days when our PAE group stayed at the Calabogie Peaks Resort this past October.

There is something special there - a sense that time stands still. I am drawn to it by the placid, peaceful Constant Creek winding through the small community with its striking old church and ancient burial grounds. But more than that, I can feel the presence of the heritage left by the Irish settlers that found this place nestled deep in the Madawaska Hills and made it their home.

Would some of the gigantic trees that line the creek have been witnesses to the thriving community with two stores and a blacksmith shop at one time? As I paint I imagine some of the hardships faced by the pioneers and the wonder they must have felt from the natural world surrounding them.

I am told that A.Y Jackson visited Mount St. Patrick as a painting location when he painted the Opeongo Trail from Renfrew to Algonquin Park in the 1950 – 60's, while living in Manotick and Ottawa.

Charlie
November 2021

Sources: www.ayjacksontrail.ca,  Google: Mount St. Patrick Community Ontario

  
What a joy to be out painting with friends again. Finally. With everyone having their two COVID-19 vaccinations and taking precautions, we were able to get started again. The W.A.Taylor Conservation area on the Rideau River was our first destination. A number of the MAA members, who attended, told me how good it felt to be joining the group once more. The last scheduled session will be the 30th of September.


After greeting everyone, I wandered over to the foot bridge that passes over a small creek, thick with vines and undergrowth. The first impression that struck me was like staring through stained glass. I had to try it. Went back to my vehicle, grabbed my easel, paint box and backpack and returned to the site. I setup, sketched in a rough composition, and became totally absorbed in painting for an hour or so. Lighting the Way 16x12 is the result – after several days of studio adjustments until it felt right.

​Charlie
September 2021

When I am visiting the forest, either going for a walk along the Poole Creek for exercise or looking for a composition, I occasionally get a fleeting inspiration – when time and the moment stands still. This occurred recently on a day painting trip to the Ferguson Tree Nursery in Kemptville. I was standing alone at the time on a forest path when the sunlight and silence were shrouded in the mist of light rain. I was inspired to paint while the moment lasted. It never does of course. By the time I had set up and painted a 11x14 sketch the midday sun had broken through, shadows were appearing and foliage was becoming opaque, losing the translucent effect.


Back in my studio, the sketch provided detail. It was also useful to me as a medium to help with my recollection. Reproducing the vibrant colour at my feet, the silence of falling mist and the intimacy of the transient moment was the artistic challenge.


I had to be there – that's the very essence of plein air painting.


Charlie
August 2021