Plein Air Sycamore

I have been itching to paint one of the magnificent sycamore trees that grow here in the Wabash valley - many along the banks of the Wabash, Wild Cat and Tippecanoe Rivers.  Yesterday I taught a plein air class at my friend Martha's beautifully landscaped home on the banks of the Tippecanoe River.

This majestic Sycamore has been a part of Martha's children's growing up years.  Her daughter told me she climbed it many times.  The contrast of the white and dappled bark is simply stunning to look at and to paint.

As we enjoyed the chirp of crickets, gentle breeze, spring sunshine, the class experienced the refreshing joy of painting outdoors.  There is something about painting "plein air" that light naturally finds it's way into the painting, almost on it's own.

I began this painting outdoors, took many reference photos, painted a value sketch and quick paint, changed locations several times, to find just the right spot to find the most interesting view of this most magnificent tree.

God gives us all things to richly enjoy and this spot of paradise along the banks of the Tippecanoe River is one of them!