Very FIRST en Plein Air event attempt by the 'Sparrow' and crew. Sadly the 'Sparrow' was held up on her passage down the ICW in Swansboro by an alignment issue in the engine compartment. So the Sparrow's dinghy, the kayak 'Magic' took on the challenge. Paddling between the two bridges across the New River was peaceful but wet, good thing I brought acrylics for painting en plein air. Had been warned about acrylics drying too fast for plein air, but on such a rainy, humid day, it was the perfect choice, as I dipped my paint brush into the dark river water. I was attracted to the 'wild' landscape beyond the two bridges and the cloudy skies contrasted by the dark water. When I painted the last layer consisting of the bridge and street lights, the metaphor became real. The 'wild' nature being muzzled by the urban traffic. It was a wonderful experience meeting all the other painters scattered out across the downtown area of Jacksonville, NC, especially those over at the War Memorials.
Hoping the next plein events will be as fun and my experiences and confidence will grow! Three more events along the Carolina Coast, all in the coming weeks!! : D Thanks goes to the Onslow Arts Council, the Onslow Outdoor Painting Society and the North Carolina Plein Air Painters for sponsoring this first annual event.CLICK HERE FOR ANIMOTO LINK