Learning to paint Plein Air with Oils

This has been so much fun! Getting outside, out of my studio after a long Vermont winter and a really crummy spring, has been EPIC. My garden is blooming! Painting the blooms I have grown, the plants that have been gifted to me, and those that have grown in many of my different gardens brings me peace, freedom and joy.

The plants in this painting for instance. The Blue Baptisia was a cutting from a neighbor who has moved away. She was a fun lady and when I make my early spring bouquets, i think about her. Baptisia doesn't last long. I love cutting it early when it looks like purply green asparagus before its purple blooms pop.

I grow Korean shrub lilacs because no other lilacs smell better. There I said it. Don't come for me lilac lovers. For like 3 weeks in the spring my yard smells divine and I cut little nosegays of Korean lilacs to put all over my house. It smells CRAZY good. This particular Korean lilac was given to me by my parents when my dog Lyle passed away. Lyle's Lilac.

I ALWAYS wanted giant allium in one of my gardens. I coveted them when I saw them in other gardens. They are so sculptural yet whimsical and fun. But every fall I would forget to plant the bulbs and I would be so mad in the spring once I realized it. Eventually I got it right and now I have awesome giant alliums. One year, I spray painted the dried allium heads after they dried in the garden. So fun. This year I want to spray them all chrome or gold.

It has been a very long time since I have used traditional oil paints. I pretty much completely forgot about how to use the mediums and how to layer the paint and all that jazz, so I have been relearning. Its been quite enjoyable. I have purchased some terrific online courses by artist Amy Brnger. amybrnger.podia.com @amybrnger

If you want to learn about oil painting and you like flowers like I do, check her out.

I am attending a Plein Air Festival this weekend. Its my first real time working outside with other artists around. Not only am I excited to paint, but I hope to chat with other artists, check out their painting "rigs" and learn some things about plein air painting.

Ill post some pics after this weekend! Wish me Luck!