I went out this week in spite of the heat to do another plein air painting. I chose a site off Hwy 401 where I had previous permission to paint. I was able to pull under the shade of some trees. I started about 9:30AM and laid out simple composition of a peanut field facing east.

I had several people stop to take my picture and chat with me about what I was doing. I don't mind at all, because it offers an opportunity to stimulate interest in art and to promote both myself and the Fuquay-Varina Arts Council, where I am a member. The only downside was that the temperature kept creeping up and after the previous night's rain, it started to feel like a sauna.

One of the challenges in plein air painting is the constant change of the light. The shadows move or the sky becomes overcast and all the colors change. In this case, both the peanuts and I began to wilt seriously!

I was drinking lots of water and staying in the shade, but after adding the last highlights, I was glad to pack up and head home.

"Peanuts in July" 6" x 8" Oil on Canvas Board