I got a new plein air easle at Daniel Smiths. My old one that my grandmother gave me when I was 13, even with duck tape and glue, has to be parked. I'll use it in the studio. I got the "Half Plein Air" model which was on sale for $90 with a great canvas tote bag that has backpack straps. It's a great little item and well built. It is made out of hardwood and brass fittings. It is well designed although I don't quite like the way the pallet is the top of the box and can't be omitted as everything will fall out without it. The pallet is hinged in the middle and folds in two smashing any paint piles. I'll probably use something else such as an Altoids tin to hold un-used paint. It is made in China and makes one humble to think of the quality of work for such reasonable prices.
When I'm in Seattle I stay down on the waterfront and sketch at the Pike Street Market or go down to the Public docks which offers many different views. I can paint the cityscape the waterfront or a landscape of the Olympics across Elliot Bay or of Mt. Rainier. Seattle is an exceptionally attractive city and is a fun diversion for a country boy. I get inspired by the contrast of city and country landscapes. Visiting the city is also an opportunity to go to galleries although I can't find many plein air shows. Most of the work is pretty avante guard which is not a critisism as I like such efforts that push the envelope
This little painting was an effort to explore impasto work, painting wet into wet. I'm using these studies for a studio effort in which I will pursue the subject of homelessness and reservation life.
I like painting on the gessoed massonite although my eyesite is getting poor and painting small is a challenge but I look forward to using the techniques on a much larger scale.
Getting a new easel has affirmed my committment to plein air painting on a daily basis. Alla Prima plein air painting fits my life style of much travel and intense schedule.
I'm enjoying following my imagination. I've found a process that I enjoy and can visualize the moment and come up with images such as these. It's cathartic and reflective of my busy lifestyle. To take time to be in the moment and like playing music, let the vibrations of color play out in my imagination. I can see the finished painting before I start.
I had great seats at the National Final Figure Skating Competition that was held in Spokane, WA. 
The wonderful thing about plein air painting is being able to complete a painting in a brief time. For a hectic life style on the road it is difficult to keep the eye and hand in the game. Because I am working with such small studies I am able to execute ideas that are inspired by a variety of landscape whether it is a cityscape or a view of mountains. 
I got a new plein air easle at Daniel Smiths. My old one that my grandmother gave me when I was 13, even with duck tape and glue, has to be parked. I'll use it in the studio. I got the "Half Plein Air" model which was on sale for $90 with a great canvas tote bag that has backpack straps. It's a great little item and well built. It is made out of hardwood and brass fittings. It is well designed although I don't quite like the way the pallet is the top of the box and can't be omitted as everything will fall out without it. The pallet is hinged in the middle and folds in two smashing any paint piles. I'll probably use something else such as an Altoids tin to hold un-used paint. It is made in China and makes one humble to think of the quality of work for such reasonable prices.
