Plein Air Oil Painting

I went back to Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.

The last time I was here as part of Paint Out Day with Greg, I didn't have time to paint the railway viaduct. So, I was desperate to paint this beautiful landscape.

Probably I spent three hours painting this one. 

I tried to get the bridge right with its proportions and tonal shapes, particularly shadows.

I also paid a close attention to water and reflections of the bridge.

I'm reasonably happy with this one. And more than anything else, it was just a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

A good friend of mine turned up unexpectedly, and it was really a pleasant surprise!

I had a great chat with her. Very precious moment.

Oil on panel. 16 x 20 in.

I thought about going home, but, I decided to paint another, small panel. 

This time, I chose a fountain. I painted it the last time, it was a view from across the pond, so, for this one, I tried a closer look at it.

I spent about hour and a half on this one. I tried to capture the movement of the water of the fountain, tonal difference of greens and the reflection on the pond.

The tree on the right isn't so convincing, I think, but, overall, as a quick sketch, I'm quite happy with this one.  

This is one of those days when I really feel alive and well. The smell of the fields, blue sky, white clouds, chirping of birds, a lovely friend.....

A bliss.

Oil on panel. 12 x 16 in.