Another Day in the Marsh

Marsh Rhythm, oil on canvas
10x12

When I visit a marsh, I look for a composition with patches of water shining through the grasses.  Here, I found a view with water behind a beautiful tree.  I simplified the whole scene, and focused on the wide variety of colors I found wherever I looked.  As usual, the sunlight came and went.  Lately, it seems like every time I paint outside there are lots of clouds.  I prefer painting strong lights and darks and fairly strong colors.  If the sun comes out for a little while, I quickly make some dabs of the colors and values on the canvas, and do the rest from memory after it gets grey and cloudy.  Plein air painters need to learn how to deal with a variety of weather conditions.