Hello all!
There are certain places, days, and subjects that any artist may gravitate toward. For me, the House Boat Dock is one of these places. When I find a good spot, it’s easy for me to overwork a painting (trying to get every single detail in perfectly) which, can oftentimes push me away from the original intent behind the piece.
Overworking a painting can get rid of the free and loose brushstrokes that I try to implement throughout the painting process. And so, some days I dedicate to little studies. Look here!
2020-L37-Unger-HouseBoatDock-5x7 / ‘House Boat Dock’ / Oil on Canvas / 5”x7” / Cassi Unger
Painting studies can be inside a sketchbook, drawing pad, or on smaller canvases. This is a great tool for plein air. Why??? Because of its size! If I bring out an 8x10 or 11x14 canvas, I’ll probably only get one good (hopefully) painting out of the day. However, if I bring out “lil’ guys”, here I used 5x7’s, I can do multiple paintings in the same location. This helps me not worry about creating the “perfect” painting.
Some artists use studies, like this one, as reference to create a larger scale painting in studio. Sometimes I do this, but usually I use studies to better understand an area so that I can come back and do a larger work on-site.
Have a colorful day,
xxCass
