Not Quite Spring -- Wherein I learn that watercolor paint does indeed freeeze

That calender may say it is Spring, but the weather is not quite Spring.  Returning to Duke Farm to paint in the freezing cold (literally; more on that later) seemed like a good idea.  I have not painted much of late and needed to be outside, so off to Duke Farms I go.  It was supposed to be in the 40's this morning but was 25 degrees when I stepped into the park (the iPhone weather app, apparently, does not always tell the truth).   As I set down to paint and started mixing the colors, ice crystals began precipitating out of the wash as the water, literally froze on the pallet. It would have been cool if it was not so cold.  Ice crystals clung to the brushes and glomped on the painting, making the process somewhat strange.  I completed 90% of the painting on site and added finishing details in the cafe.  All in all, it turned out well, but I truly wish for Spring to really begin. 

                                         Watercolor, Pen & Ink on 140 lbs block 9X12

Old Stone Bridge -- Duke Farms

Typically, there is a rush and feeling of contentment when I finish a painting or drawing.  This feeling quickly diminishes and is replaced by the thoughts of my Inner Critic, whom always finds some fault or error to plague my peace of mind.  However, a full 24 hours later and I still really like this painting of the old stone bridge that leads into the Duke Farms.  This is my best effort at a robust use of light/dark contrast .

One of the nice things about painting on location is that you get to meet all kinds of interesting people who ask if they can watch you paint.  On Saturday, I felt like an exhibit at the zoo, with a parade of people coming by, to what I thought was a remote spot (the bridge may be the main entrance, but I had never saw anyone walk down its slopes before to sit where I did for the painting).  All in all, it was a fun day to paint.

                         Watercolor and pen & ink on paper 5.5x8.25

Great Waterfalls -- Duke Farms

There are actually several waterfalls at Duke Farms that form an interconnected waterway system of lakes and waterfalls.  It all starts with the "Great Waterfall" which was constructed to carry water from the reservoir to Vista Lake.  Unfortunately, the Great Waterfall is not always "on" (I think it is on only for an hour a day now) and such was the case last weekend when I took the chance to sketch it.  You can see the irregular man-placed stones peaking out between the foliage.  It is supposed to be a spectacular view when the water cascades down.  I plan to trek out and paint this again when the water is flowing.

                            Watercolor and ink on paper 5.5x8.25

Coach Barn - Duke Farms

A few weekends back I had the opportunity to visit Duke Farms and see the Coach Barn, which was open to the public for the first time in a long while.  It is a rather impressive building, complete with stables and working clock tower.  Constructed in 1900, the Coach Barn is where J.B. Duke conducted his day to day business.  The clock is over 100 years old, and has never broken down or failed to tell the correct time.  

The painting started on location and finished in my studio (I just like writing that) since the day was getting late and the bugs were biting.  As you can see below, it was still a bit rough and unformed.  I used several different pens to vary the line weight, trying hard not to "over work" it with unnecessary detail.

                          Watercolor, Pen & Ink on 140 lbs block 12x16

I set up with the en plein air easel and my niece joined me, creating her own painting.  It was fun.  Several people stopped over to watch us paint and ask questions, which is certainly something that never happens when I sit on a bench with a pad in my lap and sketch.

Here is the un-inked version of the painting.  I had to leave it a little too rough to call it a finished work.  The ink adding just the right amount of detail and clarity.

Waterfall at Duke's Brook -- Duke Farms

We took a day's hike at Duke Farms, learning about butterflies and moths and flora or all kind, especially native caterpillar food plants.  On the walk back to the orientation center I stopped at the little waterfall at Duke's Brook to paint.  I have been wanting to find local places to paint, and this 2,700 acre estate and park is right in my backyard.  This little waterfall is one of the signature locations in the Farm.  Normally, there is water generally cascading down the darker rocks, but now in the mid-Fall there was no water.  I think this is a place I need to go back and paint when there is snow on the ground and then again in the Spring.

                                          Watercolor on paper 5.5x8.25

I am starting to become comfortable with new paints and the Pocket Palette (and its smaller size).  I love smooth washes and the ability to layer color.  What I like most about this travel catch, it is a much different color palette than my other previous works.