Alone But Not Lonely

While painting en plein air at Weir Dam with a student it began to rain and we took shelter under a canopy. Out in the middle of the river was a beautiful heron standing in the drizzling rain. The light, the contrast and reflection illuminated the most spectacular glow of grey and lavender so I started filming it with my camera. He posed for several minutes as I got progressively closer and then he flew away. I captured that too! It was like watching a ballet on the water! My student was amazed that I didn't mind getting soaked! I just had to recreate this moment and I am sure there will be another one painted and a series pending. Dynamic symmetry was used to compose the scene to create harmony and balance within. A grisaille underpainting of Vasari raw umber was used to establish the feel and depth of this rendering followed by several passes of color. Glazing and scumbling techniques were also used in this rendering.