Plein Air Challenge: Painting a Building in the Rain ✿ Plein Air Art Vlog #51

In this week's art vlog, I attempt to paint a complicated feed & grain building while it rains on and off all morning. Also a glimpse of other things I did over the last week, like hanging out with my writer's group, working on a top secret commission, and watching a partial eclipse.
THINGS MENTIONED/SHOWN
Places:
-- Loveland Feed & Grain Building
-- Dellabetta's Muse Coffee & Tea, Loveland, Colorado
-- La Luz Mexican Restaurant, Fort Collins, Colorado
Art Supplies:
- Robert Simmons #14 Sapphire Round
- Arches 140lb cold press paper
-- Mjello palette
-- En Plein Air Pro watercolor easel
- watercolor paints by Winsor Newton and Daniel Smith
Cameras: Insta360 Go 3 and an aging iPhone SE
Editing: iMovie
Anything else you'd like to see? Let me know! I'm trying to post something every week, usually on Wednesdays but sometimes Thursdays.
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Laura G. Young
Bird & Nature Art
Fort Collins, Colorado
www.lauragyoung.com
Blog: lauragyoung.blo...
Facebook: / laura.g.young
Twitter: @LauraGYoung
Instagram: @laura_g_young

[@LauraGYoung]

P.S. Thanks for bearing with me as I learn how to operate my new camera. That added to the challenge, for sure!

[@MrsBarnabas]

Hi, Laura! I have a _huge_ respect for anyone who _paints_ outside when it's 3 degrees! I do plein air in the winter, too, but when it's that cold, it's from the car (especially when there's snow), with fleecy boots on my feet, cut-offs from a yoga mat under my feet, a warm fleece blanket over my lap, Hot water bottle under the blanket, and a baby hot water bottle in each pocket of my big winter jacket. And refill flasks in case they get cold before I've finished (and for hot drinks!!!) With the ude of some gaffer tape, those cut-offs also make excellent, ultra=lightweight fold-up--able sit-on-its for stting on cold stones / walls / damp grass, etc or as a lightweight cushion for the chair for keeping the posterior warm. I have a 48" fisherman's umbrella (the sort where you can bend the long bit to tilt the angle of the brolley) whch means that I can sit under it and stay dry, even with heavy rain. It weighs a fair bit, but it's a light price to pay to have a full day outside. These days (since I moved here), I'm working in town, and take all my kit + handbag (purse), chair and lunch needs in my shopper-on-wheels (shopping caddy / cart), except for the messenger bag with my grab-and-go bag in it, in case I decide to work fast and small. The trolley, with sturdy frame and wheels, is an absolute boon and deals with our uneven paths, cobble-stones, high kerbs (all normal here in France) rough grassy areas, etc, I'm hoping to get out into the countryside this season, though. I am desperate for some wide open skies and views across the countryide! I love the fact that you, too, wear long skirts for plein air. It's a must for me all year round, for warmth in winter and sun protection all year round - along with the trusty hats! But don't we both look different in our 'business' personas!!! 😄 Thanks again for this video! I'm glad the camera and stand survived the fall! 'See you' next time. 😊

[@LauraGYoung]

Bonjour, mon amie! Those are some EXCELLENT tips for painting out in the cold. I used to paint year 'round in sub-zero temps, even in the mountains, but as you know my lungs can't handle that so much these days. That's great, that we share the same painterly fashion sense. Great minds think alike! Long skirts are much more practical that most folks know. When I was teaching abroad in a harsh desert climate, I found that wearing long loose clothing kept me both warmer in winter and cooler in summer. I hope to get the hang of the camera soon (it has a rather steep learning curve). I like the wide angle and the fact that it's relatively waterproof. A real necessity during this session! Thanks again for your kind words of support, L :)

[@yourphoenixcat]

Very good performance 😁💯. Thanks for sharing this

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Very spontaneous painting in the Plein Air,nice to see. But with the weather as it is,you need to be! Lots of interest in your videos,and always great to see your part of the world,from your point of view 🙂🌲

[@LauraGYoung]

Thanks so much, WW! I feel the same way about getting to see all your lovely UK critters. :)

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

@@LauraGYoung 🙂👍🦡🦉

[@DarciBarker-lu8gi]

Between the weather and the difficulty of the building, you have a great start. I could spend three days just trying to get a “believable” drawing of that. 😂

[@LauraGYoung]

Thanks so much, dear Darci! Plein air has really honed my architectural skills, but this particular building is always humbling to draw, lol. I wish I'd had more time to finish it in the studio, but unfortunately I threw my neck out of whack and so have been prioritizing what I'm able to do this week. Good news is, it seems to be improving. Whew! Bestest wishes, L

[@CAT-Anne]

Your videos, chatting and drawing , painting are very nice~

[@LauraGYoung]

Thanks, Anne! 🥰Hope all is well with you and yours and your lovely critters. :)

[@colinremmer2417]

I think that I'd have sat in the car with a lovely hot cup of coffee & painted it from there so it'd have been a semi plein air painting

[@LauraGYoung]

True, true. 😄I've painted in my car before, but it's a little cramped. That being said, I'll keep that in mind for next time the weather's like this. ☕🎨