"Winter Garden" in process 12 x 12 oil
It has been an oddly mild winter here in New England. Last year, we were buried in snow repeatedly. This winter has been mild, with only one snow of any substance (so far). This week, school vacation, promised a couple of days in the 50's so I called my friend Nancy Sargent Howell and suggested painting in Boston. We headed in to Boston's Public Garden after detouring to the Science Museum to drop a carload of teens at the Science Museum. It was an interesting day, lovely purple grays, the promise of some sun peeking through. However, we are living in New England and the adage "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a minute" certainly applied. We set up, painted for about 1/2 hour. It got darker. Then darker. Then a flake or two mixed with rain. I stepped under the nearest tree, but realized, as the hail began, that there are no leaves! It's winter! The tree offered no cover, and the hail turned to torrents of rain. Nancy had already scurried under the bridge; I scooped my rig and ran after her. We stayed under the bridge 1/2 hour, hiding from the rain, meeting nice people, local and otherwise, and nibbling lunch. Shortly, the sun peeked through momentarily. We moved back into the light and began again. The wind picked up, temperatures dropped... it was a great day! 
Here's the start of my painting, which I have finished in the studio and will post tomorrow. (Got caught up in the Oscars tonight and neglected to get a good photo). I'm checking my calendar and scheduling any free weekdays for painting in the city. We had a blast!
It has been an oddly mild winter here in New England. Last year, we were buried in snow repeatedly. This winter has been mild, with only one snow of any substance (so far). This week, school vacation, promised a couple of days in the 50's so I called my friend Nancy Sargent Howell and suggested painting in Boston. We headed in to Boston's Public Garden after detouring to the Science Museum to drop a carload of teens at the Science Museum. It was an interesting day, lovely purple grays, the promise of some sun peeking through. However, we are living in New England and the adage "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a minute" certainly applied. We set up, painted for about 1/2 hour. It got darker. Then darker. Then a flake or two mixed with rain. I stepped under the nearest tree, but realized, as the hail began, that there are no leaves! It's winter! The tree offered no cover, and the hail turned to torrents of rain. Nancy had already scurried under the bridge; I scooped my rig and ran after her. We stayed under the bridge 1/2 hour, hiding from the rain, meeting nice people, local and otherwise, and nibbling lunch. Shortly, the sun peeked through momentarily. We moved back into the light and began again. The wind picked up, temperatures dropped... it was a great day! 
Here's the start of my painting, which I have finished in the studio and will post tomorrow. (Got caught up in the Oscars tonight and neglected to get a good photo). I'm checking my calendar and scheduling any free weekdays for painting in the city. We had a blast! 
I love how you portray the sky, especially on a day like that. Funny comment about the trees providing no cover. Hahahaha. Good work!
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