Plein Air @ The Old Town Los Gatos CA
Before embarking on Plein Air painting, I had the opportunity to witness several artists creating their masterpieces outdoors during the summer of 2017. This experience sparked a strong desire within me to someday capture the essence of this unique architecture through my own artwork.
Years later, I finally found myself at the desired location, ready to set up my work station on a scorching morning. It was no easy task finding a suitable spot due to the obstructing trees blocking my view.
Without sketching a preliminary outline, I faced the challenge of depicting the intricate details of the building. To make matters more interesting, there were workers painting the adjacent structure. Aware of the limited time available, I knew I had to complete my work as swiftly as possible.
After struggling momentarily with the initial sketch, I swiftly applied watercolors while standing in the middle of a narrow lane. A kind local lady informed me that Mondays tended to be quiet, and she didn't anticipate any vehicles passing by.
The people around me were amiable and considerate. However, upon hearing the approaching sound of an electric car, I promptly gathered my belongings, apologized, and the two ladies graciously allowed me to resume my work from the safety of their vehicle.
With a sense of urgency, I managed to complete the painting before noon, as the temperature continued to rise on this scorching. (July 17, 2023)