Wednesday
Jun172009
Plein Air in Utah
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 1:50AM 
I just spent 5 days in Utah visiting my good friend and fellow painter Janell for a plein air painting trip in her hometown of Park City. The weather was unusually rainy/cloudy/windy for Utah in in June, but we managed to paint between raindrops.
Utah is just incredibly gorgeous and I spent most the 5 days with my mouth agape while admiring the dramatic displays of alternating mist and sunlight rolling off the mountains.
It was very, very cold. I actually had a single HAILSTONE land in my pochade box. Do I get some sort of plein air badge for that?
This pretty little streak of sunlight disappeared as soon as it was too late to change my painting, and only made intermittent appearances for the duration of the session. I spent the time between episodes of sunshine practicing painting the purple sage.
My amazing dad knit me these fingerless painting mittens from the softest green wool. From this angle you can't see, but they even have an intricate cable braid down he back of the hand. Far too nice to use for painting, but he insisted it's ok if I get paint on them.It was all good practice to get ready for my upcoming month of outdoor painting in upstate NY.
Reader Comments (10)
Lovely work, enjoy your month in New York, it was quite an honor to be chosen. Honor
I've missed seeing your plein air work. I really enjoy it but - Not and iPod, while working out in that beautiful place! :)
Sadie how fun the landscape looks amazing I can just see how inspiring to paint the landscape that must have been.
Wish you all the best at Hudson.
Linda Dulaney~Founder
Bay Area Classical Artist Atelier
Thanks everyone! Bill I know, hard to believe I'd need my iPod, it looks so peaceful... but my friend's 2 dogs were tied nearby and they barked every time a car passed on the paved road near us. Although we loved having them scare off potential lurkers!! Wow people love to watch people paint outside....
Thank you Linda! It was very inspiring, and I'm excited to learn more ways to capture it in Hudson. Painting outside is such a challenge!
Sadie, your plein air sketches are so beautiful! The second one is amazingly peaceful looking. I love the tranquil muted colors and the softness of the shapes -- it is very difficult to paint outdoor objects softly yet not all like a mush... I think you will totally enjoy Hudson. Can't wait to read about it...
I'm so glad that I have a chance to study from you. Your blog just keep on reminding me of the shear joy of painting itself.
Great work, Sadie! And, being a native of upstate NY, I have to warn you that you should be prepared for anything: rain, cold, or sweltering heat. Expect late-afternoon thunderstorms.
Nice work. I like the gloves too.
Sadie, these are great, I cant wait to see more-ethan
I love that your Dad knit the mittens He's the best!
My farm is in the Catskills (actually, just west) so if you have a free day, come visit. I am going to be there off and on in July.
Sara I'd love to meet up! Will email you :)