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It's not easy being green-Plein Air sketch

"Plants on the Rocks" watercolor on paper 10" x 7 "

More often than not, you can find me in the proximity of rivers and other bodies of water, if you haven't noti
ced already. Thanks to my kayak loving husband, this is where I spend many afternoons. Coming from the city, I crave solitude and being able to get lost in a watercolor with just the sounds of birds chirping and a running brook...well, Italians call this a river. This is the Aniene River, as it flows through the medievel town of Subiaco. It is about an hour's drive from Rome and a delightful place to paint. 
I'm trying to focus more on a single subject when plein air painting and less on detail, hopefully I'll improve with practice. Being surrounded by green is somewhat overwhelming, and the fly fisherman, naturally, came after I had gotten my drawing down: if I would have known, I would have changed my composition to include him for sure!
My sketch with its model

fly fisherman on the Aniene river, Subiaco
I hope everyone is having a nice Sunday!

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Comments

  1. Mrs A19 May 2013 at 23:47

    What a lovely Sunday and a lovely place to be. I think there is nothing like being near water, it soothes my soul! I really enjoy seeing your painting and this one makes me want to have been there too! Mrs A

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco20 May 2013 at 09:11

      Hi Mrs. A, I'm happy you like it! Thanks for stopping by and I would have loved to have your company to paint!

      Delete
  2. Jane20 May 2013 at 08:34

    I think that painting outdoors in one of the most difficult things because you have to 'frame out' what you don't want to paint. I think you did an awesome job, loose and wonderful greens. Have a nice week.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco20 May 2013 at 09:14

      Thank Jane!Your comment is very encouraging! I am having a difficult time narrowing down my compositions and the changing light conditions don't help! Practice, practice..

      Delete
  3. Paul Shenton20 May 2013 at 09:48

    A great painting from life Celia and a fantastic looking river. painting someone fishing is on my to do list

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco20 May 2013 at 10:05

      Thanks Paul for your nice comment! I would love to see your painting when you do!

      Delete
  4. Watermarycolors20 May 2013 at 11:26

    Hi Celia, Good job, this is very nice place to paint... cheers!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco20 May 2013 at 12:42

      Thank you Mari, I'm happy you like it too!

      Delete
  5. Tito20 May 2013 at 14:39

    Hi Celia, knowing how much difficult is to paint in plein air, I think you did a wonderful watercolor. My experience in painting outside is very limited and the results were not at all satisfactory. So, I really admire all the water colorists that spend their time practicing this. Ciao!
    Ps : do you speak italian?

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 May 2013 at 08:32

      Grazie Tito, mi impegno, senza troppo successo, a studiare l'italiano. Apprezzo le tue parole gentili ed incoraggianti!

      Delete
  6. Unknown23 May 2013 at 13:36

    That's a beautiful painting. I love the colors of pure blues and greens. I often wondered what plein air painting would be like for me. I don't know what I would zoom in on, there is so much there, like you said! But it seems like it would be fun!

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  7. Wendy Barrett26 May 2013 at 16:23

    I think you've done a beautiful job Celia. It is a very cool and soothing scene!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco18 June 2013 at 13:22

      Thank you Wendy and Katherine, I'm happy you like it!

      Delete
  8. José L. Zorrilla17 June 2013 at 21:20

    Celia, me gusta tu manera de hacer. Fantásticos trabajos.

    ReplyDelete

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