When painting on location, there are many possibilities to be seen. I start with a small 4" x 6" sketch. This helps me to consider composition and values (dark and light) for the painting. Next color is important. I check out the possibilities of color for the scene, not necessarily what I am seeing, sometimes using striking color and exaggeration, depending on the mood. Watercolor, oil or pastel - each medium has its particular beauty. Feel free to express yourself in any way that pleases and excites you, and in which you feel comfortable. Occasionally shifting from one medium to another can be stimulating and provide new insights that will benefit all of your work. It's the spirit and feeling you put into it. My feeling is to start loose, and use color spots (or color shapes). Some of my favorites are Monet, Renoir, Manet Degas, James McNeill Whistler, and Sergei Bongart.


Quote - Hawthorne, Charles (1872-1930):
"If the art student can become interested in any, or better yet all subjects - they will have a great time as an artist." "The most important thing is to have something to say, it's so simple as to be almost idiotic. Look at nature as a silhouette and tell how beautiful it is."