Plein air here we come

I finally sorted myself out with the where-withall to paint outdoor in oils. In October last when I went to Tuscany to paint with Maddine Insalaco of Etruscan Places, I had a blast with a great group of American painters, but more importantly it gave me the confidence to try the great outdoors myself. Sorting out the ideal kit isn't always straightforward and can be expensive but I managed to buy a second hand pochade box through painters-online.co.uk, so now I had no more excuses. My first sortie was about 500 metres from home, an alternative view of a much painted cottage in our village of Thornton le Dale,  North Yorkshire.
This tidy, representational style is a leftover from my days as a graphic designer, and is my fall back position when I am out of my comfort zone, in this case working outside in a relatively new medium.  As I do more I will work to be looser, but I know a lot of people who buy my work like this style.  Quandry..... but I must move on to progress.

Thornton Beck
oils on canvas
24 x 18.5 cms

All my paintings are for sale.  If you are interested please email me.

Vines Campriano, late evening

Last October I went to Campriano in Tuscany with a group of American painters specifically to paint plein air (outside) in oils.  I came back with half a dozen paintings, some less successful than others.  This was the one I liked best, but it didn't quite work as I had hoped.  I revisited it recently, strengthened the contrasts in the foreground vines and changed the hue of some of the shadows.  It pleases me more now, and reminds me of a good holiday with a great bunch of people.  I thoroughly recommend Maddine Insalaco and her painting courses.

Vines at Campriano
22x27 cms
oils on canvas
all my paintings are for sale, please email me if you are interested.