Hello there, fellow art enthusiasts and outdoor connoisseurs. Today, I'd like to take you on a journey - a journey that led to the birth of my painting, "Artist's Adventure". This piece is more than just oil paints on a stretched canvas. It's a story, an experience, a memory immortalized in color and form.

Setting Off on an Adventure

It all started with a fall family hike in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. Thanks to my minor (ok, major) obsession with mountains and hiking, a last-minute trek was pulled together. We chose the Artists Bluff trail for our expedition, a decision inspired by the trail's reputation for offering awe-inspiring views. As an artist, this was exactly what I was seeking - a place that could provide the inspiration I was craving.

Hiking up the mountain was a treat. The trail was steep in places but overall was fairly easy. The colorful fall foliage shaded our group of four from the unusually hot sun as we trekked over rocks and roots. For an autumn day in October, the weather was extremely warm, peaking at 83°. My kind of weather!

Seizing the Moment

About an hour into our hike, we reached the first viewpoint. The vista that unfolded before us was simply breathtaking. I knew I had to capture this scene, so I pulled out my sketch pad and pencil. Imagine my surprise when I realized I had forgotten my eraser... But, as they say, the show must go on. So, I went ahead and started sketching, knowing that this en plein air sketch was only a rough draft of the masterpiece that was yet to come.

As we cracked open a celebratory local brew, the atmosphere was one of pure joy. We were here, in this beautiful place, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

The Summit and Beyond

The final stretch to the top was more difficult to conquer; Large boulders and steep inclines made for a scramble. The view, coupled with the welcoming breeze and the satisfaction of reaching the top, was exhilarating! We sat there for a while, enjoying our packed lunch and soaking in the beauty around us. We spent our last minutes on the summit leisurely exploring, finding shiny rocks and little hidden treasures.

As the sun drew close to the horizon, we packed up our gear to prepare for the journey back down. I said a mental 'thank you' to the vistas for lending me their beauty and started on our descension. The hike back down was speedy despite exhausted muscles and lack of daylight. Back home, I revisited my sketch with a fresh look. Using the proper tools I lacked on the summit, I re-created my sketch, but this time, adding details, shading, and proper dimensions. The sketch gradually transformed, taking on a life of its own. 

Artist's Touch: Sketching a scene proir to painting aids in assuring each element is harmoniously painted in the proper place and position. Once the 'landmarks' have been placed, I can paint with ease and add in the final details as I see fit. It's also worth noting that implementing use of shading adds a sense of depth to the sketch. This helps to differentiate the seperate elements during the painting process.