Lands End, SF

Really lost what I was doing at the end. It is very hard to me because these cypress trees are so unique having strong character. Trie so hard to make it looks like real. I appreciate to get any comments on how to paint these trees. Thank you Stu for encouraging me to post it! He did great job on this plein aire.

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Comment by Olivia O'Carra on July 26, 2014 at 6:37: This is a great plein aire painting Laura. I think you captured those trees very well

Comment by Laura Xu on July 23, 2014 at 17:32: Thank you Ann! I will trim it for you :)

Comment by Ann Turner on July 23, 2014 at 16:52: I like the color you have used to warm it up, the warm dry grass and the pink cheerful sky. The bridge peeking thru is great but I would like to take some clippers and trim back those trees so I could enjoy the view.

Comment by Laura Xu on July 22, 2014 at 14:43: Hi Betsy, thank you for your comment, encouragement and the suggestion of book. I just checked it out. It looks a great book to have. Thank you again Betsy!

Comment by Betsy Jenkins on July 22, 2014 at 14:08: Laura, this looks great. I like the warmth of your greens and yellows.

Another inexpensive book about trees is "The Artistic Anatomy of Trees, " by Dover publications. Dover has many good books at a low cost. The author goes in depth about how the lines of a tree add to the expression of the painting. Graceful trees for paintings conveying peaceful scenes; Craggy trees with sharp angled branches for conveying a more menacing mood. There are a number of examples of old paintings included. I have read it through once, and will probably do so again soon. Same for the Carlson book. I've read that twice and could probably read it through another few times to get stuff planted in my brain.
Anyway, good job!

Comment by Laura Xu on July 22, 2014 at 12:48: Thank you all my dear friends for your nice comments, support, and encouragement! I was holding my breath to read comments. I was prepared for very bad comments on this one.

Michael, thank you for your suggestions! I will read Carlson's book chapter regarding trees. I only read a few pages since I bought it. I always wanted to read it, but always find excuse ...

Silvana, it is 9x12 on board. I always paint on 9x12 when I paint out.

Comment by Xiao Li on July 22, 2014 at 12:22: Very nice!!

Comment by Silvana M Albano on July 22, 2014 at 10:20: Great Laura!Happy you can go and paint plein air! How big do you paint?

Comment by Michael J. Severin on July 22, 2014 at 9:13: Very good plein air painting Laura. I like the strong diagonal line contrasting with the vertical tower of the G.G. Cypress trees, or any tree, require much study ...the fact that you are aware that you must paint the character of the tree, is a step in the right direction. Go out and just sketch a tree ...or certain characteristics of a certain tree ...how the trunk and limbs grow in the wind and how they compete for the suns attention. Study how it grows, and why. You have John Carlson's book ...read the chapter on trees ...very interesting!

Comment by Thomas Ruckstuhl on July 22, 2014 at 6:50: Laura, this is a great plein air! This is an even more impressive effort, in particular when i consider the diffuse light conditions. Nice feeling of atmosphere, decent color variation, interesting composition. Congrats!