As a plein air painter for the last almost 20 years I have used the old standard easel, being the french box. It worked for many years however it has tipped over even when weighted as well as I was finding it difficult to step back, hold my palette as well as keep a hand close enough to keep it from moving in the wind.

The tripod easels do not allow me to be as aggressive as I like to be however . . . . my troubles are over.

This easel rocks, like no other.

I was informed by Tim Bell, very talented and expressive painter in Maryland 2 years ago and finally got one, long over due.

I have taken it out in very windy conditions ( over 35 mile an hour winds) and I was beaten up and knocked around but this easel held its ground and did not budge.

I love it because it enables me to step back.

I even keep my turp cup a good 12 - 15 feet behind me to make sure that I do step back, bad habits are hard to break.

Telluride CO Plein Air Event

Absolutely GORGEOUS!

Any direction, any view, absolutely amazing.
I have painted at Glacier National, been to Estes Park, traveled through Italy painting, and yet Telluride is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been to. It was definitely overwhelming and happy to go back and settle down a bit. First trip out.
I guess that is to be expected.
This trip my inspiration came mainly from nature however Paul Casale, a very fine Jersey painter, good with a joke as well, turned me onto Edward Seago. British chap with a great deal of talent and beautiful use of grays. Very impressive on capturing a particular mood and environment. Thanks Paul!
Everywhere you look there is something to be gained.

Finally - Blogging with a laptop

I wasn't really sure where I would be going with this blog, with 4 young kids, travel, life, etc., however I have had a desire to jot down ideas and influences as they have crossed my path.

This laptop will enable me to do just that.

For example in June I went and gave a workshop at Stone Ridge Farms in Bucks County PA.

Great group, great B and B. Beautiful area with a lot of old east coast charm.

I was given the opportunity to paint and tour at Daniel Garber's studio and home.

It was very inspirational.

I also spent some time taking in a few Edward Redfeild's at the Michener Museum.

Talk about plein air at it's finest!

So much paint and yet such a sense of light and luminosity. To my understanding he would experience a scene and view it many times prior to actually painting it, then dive in and complete it in a single 8 hour session.

Talk about holding an image in your head.

Between Edward Redfield and William Wendt, thanks to my dear friend and wonderful artist Greg LaRock, my CA connection, I am definitely looking at the wold with different eyes and insights. Not being timid, seeing and painting in color, building off of what is presented to me but being ready and willing to interpret, enhance and seeing beyond the obvious.