Weather Watch
6.5 x 4.5"
oil on 200lb paper
My husband is away on an annual golf trip with his buddies, so tonight I got a babysitter and headed out to do errands with a bit of P & Q* !!! I picked up the 3 commissioned paintings from the framer, got groceries (not enjoyable even without kids) and went to the studio to water another artist's plants. I found myself with a half hour to spare before I had to be home for the sitter, so I did a quick 20 minute painting for the TMC. I was not in the mood at all, but I have been doing a lot of thinking about limited palettes and Googling that very topic, so without allowing any time to talk myself out of it, I just did it!
As I was driving tonight I noticed that to the north and south the sky was perfectly beautiful and calm, but to the east and west it was wild! In fact, there were tornado warnings today. This has been the summer for dramatic clouds... maybe that is why I feel inspired to paint so many and why that was my choice again tonight. I limited my palette to Phthalo Blue, Crimson, Cadmium Yellow and Titanium White. There was a point early on, maybe 4 minutes in, where I had the paint applied a bit thinly and the Crimson had things looking a bit too pink/purple with the Phthalo Blue and that is when I decided to use Burnt Sienna to help me get to a bit of a better gray. I initially regretted it thinking I should have used Burnt Umber, but then I never would have discovered how much I like Crimson and Burnt Sienna mixed together. The top left corner is darkened with this combo with just a touch of the Phthalo. I never did use any Cadmium Yellow. I am quite excited about what other discoveries I might make with a radically pared down palette and the guaranteed learning that will come along with it. Thanks TJ Lynde for encouraging me to limit myself!!! :o)
*Peace and Quiet
