A few years back I spent a day with a friend who is a noted oil and pastel plein air artist. I thought it might be interesting for others to look over his shoulder to see what he sees and how he works. He finishes his work in studio so I never got to see the final product before it sold.
I've included some photographs of his completed works at the bottom of this gallery for you to admire. Bear in mind that most of the photographs were taken with low resolution cameras or phone cameras without color and light controls but you can still appreciate the quality of the art.
This Looks Like a Good Spot
A Closer Look
Obtaining Permission to Paint
Setting Up His Gear
A Blank Canvas Ready to Go
Ready to Begin, But What Does He See?
Roughing In an Outline
Rough Outline Finished
Filling in Shapes and Colors
Bringing in Darker Elements
Taking Shape - A Work in Progress
Basic Elements Established - Time For Some Details