Monday, August 30, 2010

"Casco Bay Nocturne"

"Casco Bay Nocturne"
6"x6" oil on canvas panel

When Carol Marine was visiting after her class last week, we were out walking one night talking about nocturnes, paintings done at night with the help of a headlamp or book light. She did a really nice one here. Liz Wiltzen did some lovely nocturnes in her 100 plein air paintings in 100 days earlier this summer, and Marc Hanson is about to embark on a month-long nocturne adventure tomorrow. So I got psyched, and with the beautiful weather last weekend I tried one myself. This was done about 10:30 at night, with a 3/4 moon and a headlamp. Here's what I learned:
- It's beautiful outside at night, and so peaceful (until the fireworks started...)
- I was painting loosely because I couldn't really see!
- You have to make the whole painting a lot darker than you think - I'll go darker next time - it's all about the relative values.

I think I'll try again next week, during my "15 Days in Provence" painting trip, which starts this weekend. More details on that in the next post.

4 comments:

  1. This is very cool Bobbi, love the boat too!

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  2. So brave to try a nocturn scene. I'm so jealous that you were able to attend Carol's workshop. I hope to get to one someday. Keep up the great work!

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  3. I know exactly where you were standing. Lovely.

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  4. Cool....nice job. Have fun on your trip.

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