Working on-the-spot in different weather conditions has its highs and lows, but is still important in order to learn to read nature both objectively and subjectively. As an artist who works from life, I believe that although studio painting is a good medium to demonstrate the “inner” feeling, or subconcious thought, there is no substitute for enduring the trials and conflicts one sometimes encounters when painting outdoors in order to both catch nature’s light effects and absorb its majesty. It is true that as one progresses in this format, no matter how great the effort and dedication to purpose, one still is unable to attain total conquest and mastery of this process–indeed, I at least, only see how far I have yet to go.
T. H. Widener (Feb 1, 2009)
With each painting, my goal is always to paint what I feel as well as what I see. It is how light creates the effect and how that moment affects me which is important. This does not mean the sun has to be out in full shine—I paint many moonscapes as well as twilight effects, too. However, because I believe in the importance of “feeling” the moment in my work, I must paint in a myriad of conditions. While painting Winter a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted a late afternoon effect while it was lightly snowing. This was not an easy task. Twice, after I had hiked to my destination (within Woldumar Nature Center) and had set up my easel it began to snow far too heavy for me to continue working. But on my third attempt, while it snowed only lightly, I was able to catch the effect in about two hours. Finally, almost as if by Divine will, the weak winter sun poked itself modestly through the haze long enough for me to quickly jot it in. My reward, it seemed, for enduring what started out in frustration.
My wife and I often spend time in Frankfort. Here I enjoy wandering the town looking for new inspiration. On this occasion, I knew I wanted to paint Crystal Lake as the sun broke in the morning. I set up my easel before sunrise under what I believe to be perfect conditions. I thought to myself, this is going to be one of those rare events when everything, including the weather, goes right! I began to work feverishly as the sun broke the horizon, noting low clouds in the distance. I believed I would have enough time to catch the effect and get back to my wife before breakfast. But within an hour, my painting only half complete, it began to rain. Minutes later it was a downpour! When I returned to my cabin a few minutes walk away, I was drenched. I dried off my painting and showed Penny what I had done. Still liking it, I packed it away preserving another small adventure in the life of a “plein air” artist.
If you would like to view these paintings, there is a 2009 GLPAPA Group Exhibit at the Okemos Library from Feb 1-24th.
“Even though I paint the natural world, my work is primarily concerned with the human condition”.
