Paint Out Day with Gregory Smith

We both love this monthly painting trip organised by Greg and John. 

We drove to Mont De Lancy Historic Homestead, about an hour drive west of Melbourne this morning. 

This is a beautiful and very picturesque place with stunning view of Yarra Valley. 

There are also a gallery and blacksmith workshop. 

I set up my easel here. 

I spent about 2 1/2 hours. I tried to capture the distance and the effect of light. I'm not sure about its foreground but I like background and sky. 

Oil on panel. 16 x 20 in. 

After lunch, I decided to have another go at it. 

This slab kitchen is very charming and caught my eyes. 

I spent about 1 1/2 hours. Again, trying to capture the effect of light. 

I think I should have moved the kitchen to the right. I'm not sure about current composition. I didn't want to lose a pathway on the right leading towards background. I'll ask Greg. 

It was a glorious day. 

Oil on panel. 10 x 12 in.