Recently, when painting in Japanese Tea Garden of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, I had an interesting conversation with a few visitors. They wanted to know how long it can take to make the painting like that one above. I explained them the difference between sketching and painting in the studio. Difference, they asked?! Absolutely, there is a difference between painting in the open air (under a morning mist) vs painting in the comfortable studio :0)
Here is my painting of the Tea Garden that I completed back in 2008:
SOLD
Here is all: a careful exploration of composition, great deal of details, many hours of painting, stepping away, coming back and painting again.
Yet I still like to challenge myself with a plein-air painting when you have to make immediate decision on composition, be fast with the brush strokes, not be bothered by landing bugs, and proceed no matter what the weather is like.
Luckily, the day I painted the fist sketch transformed into the nice one. I even was able to sit outside the Music Concourse (looks like Roman Amphitheater) next to the Academy of Science museum and finish one more sketch:
And later on, while resting at the De Young Museum cafe, I caught my sister in the moment of drawing. She was so focused on the process that barely noticed me “snooping” at her:
More Plein-air paintings are HERE
In Every Piece Of My Art There Is A Piece Of My Heart And A Sparkle Of My Soul
Irina, these are stunning! Love them! Wonderful lines & colors.
Thank you Dear Nan :0)
Irina
Hi Irina. Your studio painting is superb. But I can see from the plein-air study why you like to paint outdoors. Thank you for showing the two versions.
Thank you Kathryn! That Japanese Tea Garden has many corners that are just begging for painting them :0).. It is a small garden that was built in 1894 and still brings so much serenity and inspiration to so so many people.
Have a great day!
Irina
Hi Irina:) I can remember the painting you made in 2008. I loved it then already and still do. Your plein air sketch is wonderful too, more spontaneously. Your other sketches are lovely. Have a nice weekend!:)
I am so glad I came by today. I have really enjoyed my visit. Bless you dear Irina! xx