Whether painting en plein air or photographing for studio references, I love being
barefoot on the beach.
"She Did"
30" x 40" oil on canvas
"Afternoon Walk"
12" x 16" oil on linen
14.75" x 18.75" framed
This spot on Sullivans Island (here in Charleston, SC) is my favorite beach spot around. I love the quaint feel on this end of the island and the view of the iconic Ravenel Bridge and my
beloved "Holy City" in the distance.
What's the next best thing to being along the coast? Bringing the coast into your home, of course!
I try to paint a variety of sizes for every collector who share this opinion. These 8" x 8" oils will be a part of Mitchell Hill's Popcorn Garland Holiday Small Works Show on Friday, November 30 from
5-8PM. Six of my 8" x 8" coastal oils will be featured and all priced at just $150.
This size is the perfect addition to a gallery wall or bookshelf.
This price point is perfect for a special someone on your holiday shopping list. (Just sayin'.)
So why plein air?
Painting en plein air (French for "painting in the open air") is pretty hard to beat for one's overall ability to truly "observe" and "experience" the subject. The sand between your toes is an
added bonus. Most of my smaller works (12" x 16" or below) were painted out on location.
"Between the Dunes"
12" x 16" oil on gessobord
14.75" x 18.75" framed
I had this Isle of Palms beach path all to myself this week.
Painting barefoot on the beach in November!? Yes, please!
While painting en plein air, is hard to beat, obtaining a collection of photo references is essential for larger studio paintings.
Do you ever just sit and watch the clouds move across the sky? Ever try painting clouds before they drift over to a whole new shape or completely out of sight? It's challenging enough painting small (usually around 11" x 14" for me) out on location before so much of the scene is completely different. There's just no way that one could paint a piece as large as the one below (24" x 36") quickly enough en plein air to successfully reflect the initial exciting observation.
"Worth the Walk"
24" x 36" oil on linen
30" x 42" framed
I try bringing what I continue to learn from painting outdoors into the studio as I paint larger works from photographs. When I paint from my own photographs, I can at least reflect back on the feel of that particular spot on that particular day which is helpful.
"She Said So"
10" x 20" oil on canvas
Do you have a suggestion for my next Lowcountry beach spot to paint or photograph?
I'd love to hear it! Be sure to follow along on Instagram for all of my coastal adventures.... @fallonpeperfineart
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