this season i hadn't yet been out to n. crestone creek to continue my pleine air series. yesterday i saw a break in the daily pattern of afternoon monsoonal thunderstorms and mikela & i set out in the car for the creek; about a 4 mile drive from my studio. i was so excited as i set up my easle & prepared my colors that i was actually trembling!

the result is the first of a series i'll be doing every afternoon until it gets too cold to go out; usually early november.

my new large format paintings in acrylic & collaged paper on canvas have been inspired & influenced by the previous year's pleine air paintings. now, this first example of a new series of pleine air has clearly been affected by the studio paintings.

below right is an example of one last year's series of pleine air paintings. i have departed somewhat from my usual earth colors, brightened my palette and expanded the space to encompas the entire canvas.

this all happened in a matter of minutes. the sound of crackling thunder and deep blue-black clouds over the ridge presaged an approaching storm, and i was just able to pack up my gear in time to leave without getting too wet.

these paintings almost always happen outside of conventional time & space, in a blaze of activity dictated by the energy of the rushing water. in those rare moments when my mind enters the picture, the result is crap.

9/6 creek again, creek again thank GOD ALMIGHTY, CREEK AGAIN!!! /September 7, 2013 by Philip Tarlow