New Mexico panorama

New Mexico view P2091895x
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is one of the largest plein air paintings I have ever done. of course I had my uncle driving me in his pickup so I didn't have to worry about lugging this 18x24 piece of hard board too far. I propped it up on the top of his tool box in the bed of the truck. It was a very cold day but the view and the sun was so spectacular that no one seemed to mind.

the scene is just outside Las Cruces in southern New Mexico.

This is painted with thin acrylic washes and only a few dabs of thick paint at the bottom. in the sunny air, the washes dried very fast and some even froze a little befor drying. it was a magical day that hooked me on plein air painting forever.

Lake Travis Mural -full view in progress.

Lake Travis Mural -full
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a mural I did in 3 long days in the VERY HOT August sun of Texas. I need to go back and take some pictures of it now, a few years later, with the vines and flowers and the water fountain matured.

Acrylic painted over primed cement wall. Lake Travis, just outside Austin. I take commissions.

Lake Merritt arbor

Lake Merritt arbor with women
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I don't often sketch landscapes when I am out, but since it has been winter without much chance to paint in "plein air", I have decided to do a few short landscape studies. This scene is in Oakland, not far from my house. I did it in my Fabriano journal with ink wash and pastel white highlights.