Snow Pass, oil on linen, 12x9
(revised 2/22/12)
You don't expect to get overheated when you go out and paint in the middle of the winter in northern Minnesota, but that's exactly what happened on our second morning out. Lee Englund and I had all our winter gear on when we started up the trail to this overlook on West Bearskin Lake. By the time we reached the pinnacle, we had shed layers and were sweating profusely while carrying half our clothing as well as all our gear. We learned a valuable lesson about winter painting. Have an extra bag for extra clothing. Carry your gear to your location and THEN put it on.
Here's some advice for the too-late-I'm-cold set, like me: arrive hot and sweaty, take your gear off and enjoy the cool breeze, paint for about 15 minutes until you have the proverbial Genius Underpainting. Then, as you begin to freeze into an ice cube, pack up your gear and head back indoors. Pour yourself a hot chocolate with schnapps and brandy, congratulate yourself on the fine painting, and go to bed. The next day, in the comfort of your studio, finish the painting. Pretend it was completed "en plein air" and slap a frame on it. Hope your friends can't tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, Tom - see you on an outing soon!