Gathering Information Every painting that I do starts with field work. I spend several painting sessions outside, on location, doing small plein air paintings of the area I'm interested in. Although I often frame and offer these paintings for sale, their main purpose is to help me get familiar with the area and learn the particular colors and feel of the location. These paintings usually take a maximum of 2 hours to paint - the light conditions change so quickly outside that the paintings must be done rapidly and decisively to capture the essence of the scene at that particular time of day.
Back in the Studio Although I enjoy the excitement of plein air painting, I like to balance that with more contemplative time in the studio. I like to say that plein air is more emotional and studio work is more cerebral- outside, I'm reacting to the scene, whereas in the studio, I can apply art theory and take my time to develop more complex compositions.
Direct Correspondence to:
Kathleen Dunphy c/o Kathleen Dunphy Fine Art
PO Box 306 Murphys, CA
USA 95247 Tel: (209) 728-9825
