More plein air paintings

I love the idea of plein air painting-- sitting outside, looking at a gorgeous view, taking time to really absorb it as I paint. I have a long way to go till I'm comfortable painting landscapes, but the more I do, the more I like doing them.

Here's a small painting I did in New Hampshire earlier this week. I sat on a friend's doorstep and painted with several dogs lolling or playing nearby. A peaceful, quiet way to pass a half hour.

On my way home the next day, I stopped at the northernmost parking area on the Taconic State Parkway. The sky was overcast, lessening the intense heat, and the humidity was a little less stifling than earlier.

I laid a couple of tracks for Petra, then chatted with an elderly farmer who uses Aussies to herd his sheep. After hearing about his sheep and how Aussies figured out for themselves how to herd the sheep, I took Petra tracking, while the farmer and his wife watched. She did very well, and we both enjoyed the break from car time. She's so deliberate and careful-- just the opposite of Rowan.

After I walked and played with (trained) all the dogs for a few minutes, I sat and painted the view off toward the distant Catskills.