Plein air painting can be a wild ride of unpredictability. Late this afternoon I painted this watercolor from a picnic table on the Brattleboro Common. It was exciting to work on this picture when the paper and pigment were still wet and juicy.
Of note, I took a very direct approach to painting this scene. I kept painting areas while other areas were still wet. Also, I did minimal drawing prior to painting. Thus, I worked out the composition as I painted.
However, as it dried it looks a bit flat while the photograph is not kind to the subject matter. It is a challenge and rare to completely finish a watercolor in one sitting.
What really drew me to this perspective were the two women sitting on the park bench. It is great to have a human presence in your paintings. However, they clearly do not dominate the scene. I like the sense of depth in the picture and the layers of foliage.
It goes to show every once in a while you come up with a dud. However, I learn the most from these experiences.
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