I have noticed over the years that my paintings suffer from having more than one focal point. This is probably due top my efforts to include more information than is called for. Partly, I think, from a reliance on photo references. So my forays into plein air is getting me to be more attentive to a single focal point.
This first painting of AJA stables is an example. In the original painting my eye went to the side of the barn, but there was nothing to anchor it there. So I added a few horses at the railing. Hopefully it works!
The other info, the woman and horse, the hay bales contribute to the story. They no longer distract.
Another focal point exercise from White Deer Plaza in Lake Mohawk is Lake House Cafe, where I try to get the viewer to attend to the pinkish umbrella and the diners' blouse.
And the most recent plein air is the Sunken Garden again at White Deer Plaza on Lake Mohawk. There are many possibilities for distraction, but hopefully the arched bridge wins out.
And finally a summer plein air that now hangs in my granddaughter's apartment in South Carolina, to remind her of vacation from college.
