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.