Plein air painting

I recently painted this piece which is now varnished and ready to frame. I enjoyed the process and the knowledge and experience I gained from the day. I set up my easel on a very warm day and spent 5 hours working on painting my chosen view. This painting progressed a lot during the time and the light changed dramatically on the day from the first hour until evening. I began the piece painting the sky and then on the cliffs, the ocean and followed by sand/stone. The cliffs are a favourite view of mine, and famous for their grandeur and being white chalk which we have here in Kent. However for quite some time there was a misty fog covering the cliffs so I painted this muted cliff line then eventually had to re paint them when the mist cleared and the vivid greens which I wanted to capture appeared. I started out in bright sunlight, very hot and this faded to shade and a change of colours. For someone who sits back and spends weeks or months meticulously, patiently working on creating paintings I love the challenge of plein air painting. The process requires me to be experimental to be quick, like a race instead of a slow wondering walk. It takes a lot of energy and thought. I wasn't happy with what I had achieved on the day but felt could be with some finer detailing done at home to straighten the horizon line, finish the tent detail and add some missing rock and cliff foliage. I finished the painting stopping myself from going too detailed and keeping an impressionist style, not wanting to come too far away from the plein air painting. Mostly this painting was created on location with just some finer details added. I'm glad to see with this painting that I'm progressing with my skills/technique in plein air painting. I feel my confidence has grown to tackle more complicated composition from last years painting of the warren, which is much more simplistic but boasts of the beautiful blue skie and colour of the highlights on the sand.

This piece was finished and framed and avaliable to buy.

I have a collection of these Folkestone based plein air paintings now with the same style framing which is handmade in Folkestone also.

This view recently framed will be for sale soon. The warren plein air painting most recently painted, is varnished and ready to be framed next. It will also be available to buy soon after framing.

I also have other works in progress like a pet portrait, a bunch of roses, a lemon and some abstract pieces. I have an autumn tree line from last autumn to continue soon, but for now I'm enjoying this season.

I love summer.

It's been busy. It's been very inspiring and creative.

It's important to rest too.

Peace and love,

Gemma Bradshaw