Cypress Mountain Prep

There is something exhilarating about being outdoors or in its vicinity. I happened to ski late one evening and captured this shot which was certainly a starting point to my paintings at Cypress Lodge. Cypress is one of my favourite mountains, close to home and with stunning vistas - It is where I am am inspired.
In winter, soft distant clouds, glistening snow capped peaks, and powdered trees where highlighted by the setting sun and brought to life as the sun
Here is an evening shot that I had to run to get my camera for before it disappeared.

I have found that taking photos helps me become familiar with the scenes I will paint and often are the first expressions of them. I tend to use the photos not to paint the exact scene but to recall the experience from them. This scene was a gift that was a starting point to my snow paintings.

Outdoors from the Inside

My first excursion painting outdoors was probably when I was a small child and so when I venture out now with sketchbook or paints I sense a child like joy come over me and am always rejuvenated in my spirit. I am not sure if it is the fresh air, the people I meet or that I am creating art. Probably all of these and more.

Here, I was at Cypress Mountain painting in acrylics, close to the outdoors, however in the comfort of Cypress Creek Lodge as part of the winter events. In this painting demonstration I quickly rendered the snow scene that I saw out the window as if I was outside as the light changed just as quickly of course.

Lugging my half box easel and suitcase of paints and materials made it feel like an outdoor excursion and was just as a passionate one,maybe because I was able to share it with the audience.

I plan to update this blog when I actually paint outside. For now you have a passionate outdoor painter painting outside her studio.

You are invited to follow along with me on these outings. Thank you from, Jane

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