Two Trees at the Landing

Howland's Landing - Stage One

We returned to Howland's Landing in Duxbury, MA on this hot, sunny day. The variety of subjects here make it a perfect plein air painting location.  There are wooded areas on the uphill side, the ocean inlet with a wide (low tide) sandbar, and of course plenty of shorebirds, boats and people.  




Two Trees at the Landing - Stage Two

I set up under a very old cedar, its thick evergreen habit providing a dense, shady location.   The trees in front of me were very dark, in stark contrast with the bright sunny water and boats beyond.  The warm gold grasses in front of me had that sun dappled look that is so pretty.   I staged the background first in order to avoid contaminating the bright sky and water with the inevitable super-darks.   I sight-sized the trees from about five steps back; see Stage Three photo and the size matching of the trees can be seen at the top...  


Two Trees at the Landing - Stage Three

Two Trees at the Landing

Like most paint-outs, the fun is as much about the sensory experience of a unique place and time, as it is about turning out a painting.  I do like how this turned out though!