Ten people signed up for this experience at Wattle Park. The prospect of rain was very strong so Mike and Col Foster did a recce and found a sound shell down behind the chalet which was under cover. Just ideal. It did rain a bit but only sporadic drops. We were able to get in a demonstration of how Mike would do it and a good length of time having a go ourselves.

Equipment is a central part of this type of art. There were various versions of easels, palettes, art boxes, folding chairs, weather protection and so on, some new, some well worn, some homemade. You can learn a lot looking at what others bring along.

The light was dull but not too bad to stop you painting. Mike, being an enthusiast for plein aire, approached it confidently. Unusually he began his watercolour painting with the strongest darks. He took it through several stages but broke off before finishing to make sure we had plenty of time for hands on. Most of us did the same view of the back of the chalet, not venturing too far from shelter. Mike gave ongoing crits as we worked and we all felt that we had gained something. It was good value. Perhaps we now have some converts who may help us resurrect the old Whitehorse Arts tradition of ‘paint-outs’.

1. Added another wash of cool and warm colours in the building to darken that shape.
2. Added another shadow wash keeping the edges soft so the light is more diffused. Note the soft transition between the path and grass tones.
3. Added three figures for interest and focus. I kept the figures warm/red to pop a bit against the green.
4. I kept the richest bright greens near the Chalet so the eye moves back to the middle ground.
5. Notice the distant tree trunks that add a sense of distance.
6. I added spots of warm and cool colour to chimney and lifted a little spots out.
7. Notice the bit of light on the path near the figures and how it helps draw the eye back to the figures.

Report by Colin Browne

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