Plein air painting 101

Near to Blackwater Arboretum in the New Forest, Hampshire, and where the previous post was situated is Flechs Water, a few minutes away. This old log made an interesting subject. Painted on mounting board sized at 12" x 9.5", and done in oils during a fine hot day on the 25th May 2023.

Plein air painting 91

Plein air painting 91 (unfinished)

This view shows the B3079 going through the Bramshaw area of the New Forest, Hampshire. On the right hand side (off canvas) would be the Green Dragon pub. The sky was quite foreboding when I started this plein air landscape. Sadly after about 30mins it started to rain. I continued for another 15 mins or so but had to stop because the raindrops were settling on the oil paint to an uncontrolled amount, like little beads. Fortunately I had got the painting to a level where it is showable, even if not actually finished. When the water droplets finally disappeared, little circles/ dots are left in the paintwork.
Painted in oils on the 24 November 2022 this artwork is done on cardboard sized at 12" x 9.5".

Plein air painting 85

A study of some gravestones catching the strong summer light one afternoon in 2022. The graves with nature claiming back the space, are to be found in Southampton 'Old' cemetery. Painted in oils on cardboard sized at 12" x 9.5, and unusually for me, painted in portrait format.

Plein air painting 84

This plein air landscape features the Tudor influenced gates at Southampton 'Old' cemetery. This is from inside, looking out of the boundary of the cemetery, where Cemetery Rd leads in to the avenue and the central part of the city. 
The cemetery was opened on 7 May 1846 and is largely unused now for burials. Two stone griffins once surmounted the pillars, lost at some point in time. Most of the buildings and some memorials in the cemetery are Grade II listed structures. The cemetery covers 27 acres and has a number of graves associated with the Titanic, Battle of Waterloo, Charge of the Light Brigade, the Indian Mutiny and Boer War.
Painted one morning in early November 2022, using oils on a piece of cardboard, cut to 12" x 9.5". 

Plein air painting 80

During October 2022 two plein air landscape paintings were done on Pepperbox Hill, just outside Salisbury, Wiltshire, this being the first. It was a little chilly when this was done early in the (sunny) morning. The viewer is looking NW in the direction of the city of Salisbury, with the A36 located on the right (off the composition). Pepperbox is the name of a brick built folly, dating from the 1600's, situated nearby.
This was painted in oils on mounting board, sized at 12" x 9.5"

Plein air painting 77

On the outskirts of Southampton and heading towards Eastleigh is Mansbridge Reservoir, a tucked away location that apparently is neglected by the council. Locals instead spend the time keeping this small lake clear of rubbish and keep the vegetation in order. It appeared to be popular with dog owners as they walked around its circumference. While painting I heard a tremendous crash that sounded like a small bomb going off. Apparently, according to locals passing, a large tree had just collapsed and fell to the ground!

Painted in early October 2022 on primed cardboard cut to 12" x 9.5", using oils.

Plein air painting 73

The river Itchen, in east Southampton is wide at this point, in the suburb of Northam, just before it joins Southampton Water itself in the main area of the docks at the city. Many small boats of various shapes and sizes can be seen here moored in the river. There are also a high number of marine based industries on either side of the river. This view is from Northam bridge with Bitterne in the background.
The boats were a challenge because over the period of time painting them, would be moving about.
Painted in late September 2022 on mounting board sized at 12" x 9.5", in oils.

7" x 5" studies - headstones

This collection of small studies were done during summer 2022 at the 'Old' cemetery, Southampton. The area is 27 acres, and contains approximately 116,800 graves. 
Each of these oil painted studies is sized at 7" x 5", and painted alla prima.

Paint out day at Fawley oil refinery.

On the 20th April 2023 I was in the New forest painting with some friends. We went to a part of the New Forest, Hampshire to paint the Fawley oil refinery from a distance of approximately 4km. The numerous chimney stacks dominate the skyline view from this distance. Our painting position was very close to the 'Royal Oak' pub, near to the junction of Rollestone Rd meeting Beaulieu Rd.
The day was dry and sunny but the wind very strong with even the heavy portable easel almost tipping over. The painting was done in under 2 hours.

Plein air painting 45

Painted in late summer 2021 this landscape 'plein air' painting shows a view of St Andrews park in central Southampton, Hampshire in the UK. The famous rose garden is coming to the end of the season and the afternoon shadows becoming longer. In the background on the left is the recently opened John Hansard Gallery.

Plein air painting 40

Painted in August 2021 during a hot afternoon this early 19th century grade II listed pretty Georgian house is pictured. It stands in Westgate Street in the 'Old town' area of the city of Southampton, where a number old buildings are to be seen, some of which are Tudor. West Gate itself is a Tudor archway that lead to the dock side, when the town was a walled one and had a castle very close by. The area is built on angled land leading to what would have originally been the port in past times. The extreme angle can be seen on the pavement, and continues around the property on the side road shown right. 

This plein air painting is done in oils on mounting board, sized at 12" x 9".