Efficiency

Gulf Coast Sunset - 6x8 o/p

Working efficiently is the artist's mantra. This is especially true for those with more ideas than they have time. I painted this little sunset study at the beach on one particularly perfect summer evening. Getting there took 30 minutes. hiking down the beach from the boardwalk - to find a nice spot away from the remaining beachgoers - took another 15, and a hurried setup about 5 or 10. By the time I got my brush loaded and looked up, this is pretty much what I saw. So, with not much time left (the sun slides straight down out of the sky this time of day on the Gulf Coast) I blocked in the sillhouettes and plastered the sky on as fast as I could look from palette to canvas panel. Of course I couldn't help messing with it a little once I got home, but basically this is a 25 minute study. I focused mostly on the sky color while there was time and worried about finishing up the trees once the light was fading. All in all, I felt it to be a pretty good study and a pretty efficient use of time. As always, a limited palette and just a few brushes helped to keep decision making to a minimum.

When an artist is in the studio, they usually have the luxury of more time, having everything set up and within reach. But even then, if time is limited, focusing on basics and keeping choices limited can help. Plein air is a great way to practice efficiency. Even in the middle of the day, changing light can force an artist to focus on capturing the essentials of the scene. If an artist can get the big shapes, values and color notes - including correct temperature - they are sure to walk away with a painting they are happy with.