(Plaza Civica, San Miguel de Allende)
This one was started last Tuesday afternoon in one of SMA's main downtown plaza's. There was a mix-up with the students and half of them didn't show up. We did have Al Skarr who is a very good painter in his own right, so we had a great time, anyway! Lots of appreciative Mexicans monitoring our progress through the late afternoon. Lots of kids leaning across our palettes to get a better look. I always just cringe when they do this, thinking about how their mothers are going to howl when they see all that fresh paint on there crisp, clean clothes. We try our best to let them know we're only concerned about the oil paint, and the effect it's going to have on mama –they back off for a few seconds, but then they're right back for another look! They are the sweetest, well mannered, respectful children imaginable. And they sometimes have surprisingly subtle questions about what we're doing, and why. I must add, it is sometimes a bit of a challenge to give them the attention they deserve when you're very, very deep in concentration. But we try our best, even though it's a supreme challenge a veces en Espanol. Our Spanish doesn't really encompass...subtle.
This painting started it's life being broadly painted, but ended up, after several days as a complex thing. Donna posted it to the "Plein Air Painters" FB site and I was afraid it was going to give all the pros a headache. Judging from their response though, lots of them seem to like it, so I guess the week was well spent after all.
Wyliss Heaton is flying into S.M today, and is going to join us for plein air Tuesday afternoon at 1:30, on Garita (above Barranca) near where the old fountain is. So, if you want to paint with a real master (or two), and you happen to be in town, you're welcome to join us. Students welcome –as always. (more info on Donna Dickson's blog)
