Charlo and me in the Badlands

How long does it take you to paint a picture?

Anywhere from an hour and a half to as much as five hours for plein air work. In the field, the light effect in a scene changes as fast as the sun moves. After about two hours it's a completely different picture. I like to finish paintings on location, but after the light changes I'm working mostly from memory. For larger, studio paintings, I try to finish in as few sessions as possible (each session being 3 to 4 hours). That way the initial idea and feeling is more likely to stay intact. The term "alla prima" describes starting and finishing a painting in one session. I'd do them all this way if I could.

Do you ever start a painting outside then finish it in the studio?

There might be a highlight or a dark that I intensify later, but I do everything I can to bring the piece to resolution in the field. I want the specificity of the light of that particular place and time. Relying on memory too much can result in a cartoon-like feeling because memory tends to recall a stereotype of the scene rather than what was unique.

Do you paint from photographs?

Rarely. The information on view outside is infinitely rich and detailed. I mean, when it comes to atmosphere, color, shadow, light—inspiration—can you beat standing in nature? Paintings done exclusively from photos are often easy to spot. The shadows are too dark, the lights are too light, and both lack color. That said, experience in the field can enable a painter to better "read" a photograph and adjust for the shortcomings of typical point-and-shoot cameras. Recently, I've been exploring some ideas in my studio working from photos I shoot myself. An aside: If a painter uses someone else's photograph as their main reference and doesn't altered it significantly, shouldn't the artist give the photographer some of the credit—like when a writer cites sources? Just asking.

Do you paint outside in the winter? How do you stay warm ? Do your paints freeze?

I love painting outside in the winter. The atmosphere is so crisp. The colors on a sunny day after a snowfall are so vivid. Russian watercolorists are known to splash vodka in their watercups in order to keep working outside in cold weather! To stay warm, I simply dress for the elements and use small, disposable, heat packets (found in hardware stores) in my gloves and boots. The paints don't freeze—they're made from oil!— but they sometimes thicken a little bit. I like the stickier consistency, but a couple drops of linseed oil in each pile on the palette helps to keep them malleable. In cold weather, thinly painted layers set up well, allowing thicker layers to be dragged over top. Fat over lean. It can benefit the painting as well as the cold-weather painter.

Why are plein air paintings so small?

Because the time needed to cover the board or canvas (typically 8 x 10 to 16 x 20 inches) is all you have before the light changes too much. Wind is also a factor. I've seen photographs of Willard Metcalf, Childe Hassam, and John Singer Sargent working large out in the field. Must've been dead calm. On windy days those nice, linen canvases become nice, linen sails.

Is it hard to work when people are watching? Do they bug you?

Not nearly as much as the bugs bug me! A painter out in public, with easel, umbrella, and wide-brimmed hat (all essential) does tend to attract attention, so I'm accustomed to the occasional audience. Luckily, I have a brain that can usually manage to carry on light banter while I paint. Heck, sometimes I need a break and really want to chat! It tends to be a solitary job. Desperate for human contact, I've been known to waive down passersby with a "Hey you! Wanna come look at my painting?" (Warning: Not all painters are as desperate for attention as yours truly. Some really do want to be left alone. When in doubt, ask.)

What is your favorite painting? Do you have a favorite place to paint?

Each painting is a new experience and certain ones have special meaning for me. I may have learned something new on one, or especially understood a passage on another. Generally, my latest "keeper" is my favorite. Regarding place, I love the northwoods of Minnesota and would love to paint more there, but it's hard to find the time to go.

Do you teach plein air workshops or classes?

From time to time. Notices about coming workshops will be posted on my News page. If you'd like to be notified directly when a workshop is in the works, please let me know.

 

Have a question you don't see here? Please send it.

Like I said, it's a lonely job. I'd love to chat.