Plein Air Painting in Wanaka

[Richard Robinson]

First day painting today on this 3 week adventure. It started out rainy and totally grayed out, but began to clear at 11am so I hopped in the truck and followed my nose down the road. Had no idea where I was going - just turned left then left again and straight on till I found my spot. The hard part was just stopping somewhere because it’s so beautiful here there’s a painting waiting around every corner. - ‘just one more corner’.

I soon found myself painting on the edge of Lake Hawea - simply stunning. The trickiest part was deciding how to fit all this grandeur into a 10x8” canvas. I really had to knuckle down and use my view finder and several little notan studies before I felt comfortable with the design. The biggest goal that I had in mind was to first visualize the scene as a painting, then bring that painting to life. That’s something I really want to focus on during this trip - I see it as a key to opening up my creative side.

I began to video my progress but soon found it too cumbersome to do the two things at once. Had an idea of capturing everything I learn painting outdoors in the next 3 weeks on video to turn into another educational product. If you’d like to see that happen just email me some encouragement or post a cattle prod and it may give me the impetus to do it.

The finished painting lacked some of the passion I was hoping for but seeing as I was so nervous starting out I’m pretty happy with the result. I got a nice surprise when after 2.5 hours painting the owner of the boat came along and purchased the painting for $200 - lucky timing and a happy end to my first day’s painting.

[Merv Appleton]

I'm with Diane, can't understand you being nervous, a great wee painting and what a way to end the day with a sale. Congratulations

[Richard Robinson]

:-) Thanks Diane.

[diane boucher]

What a lovely way to WORK???? Great little gem and so neat that the owner saw the beauty in it enough to make your day even more worthwhile. Congratulations. (What do you have to me nervous about) Just enjoy.