Back to En Plein Air!

Finally we got the chance to get away camping in the highlands with the paints! I've posted this painting of 'Loch Morlich', a beautiful loch nestling at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains - Cairngorm itself is visible on the left of the painting. It's really fun painting 'en plein air', without the comforts and conveniences of the studio. This time, for the first time I used a watercolour easel, rather than just holding the board as I work. I think I'm a convert! Yesterday was a lovely sunny day, if a bit chilly, and I was fascinated by the contrast between the still, reflective water of the loch and the ripples on the water emptying from the river behind me. I enjoy the loose, carefree style which I tend to use for en plein air work, and in this case I think it's captured the vivacity of the reflections in the water better than a more considered approach would have. I also love this limited palette of colours, which I think are so evocative of the Caledonian Forest which surrounds this lovely place. Right, rucksack back on and off we go again!

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