Saturday, January 31, 2009

Ski Roundtop


12"x 14" oil




Well this morning took the cake. I painted this view of ski roundtop at around 8am. The view is from a field at my parents house and when I got to the house the temperature was 18 degrees f. That's after I painted. It's always colder in the fields downhill from the house. I'm guessing it was around 12 degrees with a very slight breeze and good sunlight. This is the thickest I've ever had my oil paint get. I mixed quite a bit right on my painting surface. The stuff I mixed on palette left peaks when I pulled it off. Much like stucco or icing. I wear boiled wool shoes and this was the first time my feet got chilly. Of course I was standing on hardpack snow/ice. I'm almost tired of describing the weather but this year is exceptionally cold. Spring is going to feel really good!

4 comments:

Karen said...

I love it!!! Oh wow the paint! I can see you you appreciate textural paint surfaces as much as I do! I love how you describe the paint as like stucco, I know exactly what you mean, and I love that texture contrasted with thinner parts. I also like that you're out there painting in the same temps we are here. :) It's really a beautiful image.

I have to say also that we drink way too many Beligain trappist ales and Bell's around here, too. We live around the corner from the Map Room (maproom.com). Check it out online...you'd love it if you ever visit here!

brian eppley said...

Thanks for the kind words Karen. I checked out the Maproom website. Nice selection! If I ever get to Chicago I definitely will check it out. It's nice to find another belgian beer fan and plein air painter. Wishing you warmth, but it probably is a bit far off.
Brian

J.R. Baldini said...

Nice one, Brian.
When it's that cold, I often end up using the painting knife to get the paint to move.
Gets a bit like construction adhesive, sometimes.

brian eppley said...

Thanks for visiting J.R. Love your work and wish to do more with IPAP. It's tough working a job and finding enough time to paint. The construction adhesive reference nails it. No pun intended. The stuff just sticks and sticks. Happy painting!