I have been told by many people that "journaling" is a great way to sort out ideas and feelings. I usually roll my eyes. Recently I realized blogging is a form of journaling but on a public level. Blogging is a way to communicate our thoughts to others. While staying still and quiet long enough to figure out what to type, I sort out the idea that is running around in my head. This is what I discovered today...
My Paintings Are My Form Of Journaling. I take the scene in front of me and try to communicate my feelings through the piece of art. (Now you are rolling your eyes) I guess I journal in a visual way every time I paint.
This painting was completed "en plein air" this summer at our family cabin in Northwestern PA.
While painting, I was thinking of my past. Mostly my deceased parents and brother. There is a journal in my mind of the day and the memories that only I can read while I look at the painting. My blog post is the public form of my journal.
OK - now back to painting...
I have heard artists say "there is no color" on a day like this. I don't agree. This is one of my favorite times of the year to paint. My sketch is done in burnt umber with a very stiff short hair brush. I did not have time to tint my canvas yesterday. Usually I prime the canvas with burnt sienna mixed with gesso. 
I only had about 2 hours to work. Before I leave a location, I try to have the painting completed enough to only make small changes back in the studio. Hopefully today I will touch up some tree structure issues and add my husband in with his fishing pole. 
