by Jill Stefani Wagner

“Cumberland Haze” Plein Air Cityscape oil painting    12 inches x 9 inches     See Pricing

Oh. Dear. Mountain Maryland Plein Air Festival was one of THOSE kind of events. The kind I have never personally experienced before, but always felt heartbroken for those who did. The kind where it rains, heck POURS, non-stop for 6 days straight. The rivers flooded and some of the bridges were closed. And it was quite, quite windy.

What to do? Well, there’s really no choice. We artists HAD to paint. We found shelter under awnings, balconies, porches, anywhere to keep from getting soaked. We painted inside bars, railroad stations, stores and homes. And sometimes we painted from our cars. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

Needless to say, especially for this gal who adores light an shadow, it was difficult to get inspired. But there is a gentle and subtle nuance to rainy and overcast days that shouldn’t be ignored. I decided to embrace it.

My first painting was a view of Washington Street, one of the “fancy” areas in Cumberland, lined with mansions, churches and government buildings. I also painted a similar view in pastel last year for my Quick Paint entry at the festival.

“Toward Washington” Plein Air Cityscape pastel painting   9 inches x 12 inches     See Pricing

___________________________________________________________________
This artwork was created on: Linen Panel
Medium: Sennelier, Gamblin, Michael Harding, Utrecht and Richeson Oil Paints