Sometimes when I am lucky, it seems that a painting somehow quickly and easily paints itself and the final result is a pleasure look at for a variety of reasons. For me, doing this painting was one of those rewarding painting experiences.
It was a warm sunny day, on Saturday, October 11, of this year when I did this plein air alla prima painting while standing with my art easel, paints, and tools somewhat out into the city street of North Columbia where I could get this “better” view of looking south, beyond the railroad tracks, toward a nearby road intersection at West Chestnut. I was invited by the Executive Director of the Art Association of Randolph County to exhibit some of my watercolor and oil paintings in a historic building in Union City, Indiana, and asked if I would be willing to be one of several street artists over the course of the weekend events during their 2014 “Arts Festival.”
This was a fun festival of celebrating the visual and performing arts, complete with an outdoor stage and live music, numerous children’s events and activities, an annual juried regional art competition exhibit held at the Art Depot, award winning craft winery and craft beer tasting opportunities, a large variety of food venders from regional restaurants, plus arts and crafts booths, and street performers.
I had a nice time visiting with folks walking by who would stay for awhile and watch as I painted. I selected this view because I liked the colors and play of light I saw on the old buildings, the street, and surrounding trees. But I also was selective of what I placed into the painting. If you go to this location and look from where I was standing, what you do not see here are the asphalt parking lots with cars, or the tall large electric lighted signs that advertise a famous chain drug store and a fast food restaurant with drive-thru service, I removed street signs, and even railroad crossing gates. I focused on what this area may have looked like forty or more years ago before the presence, expansion, and development of current modern businesses and landscaping.
I had a good time at the Arts Festival and recommend that you put it on your calendar to attend next year if you are in the area.