REFERENCES

In order to practice landscapes, one has to have good references - either in reality (outside looking at the scene)  or in photographs.  Here are a few snaps I took out the bedroom window of the little forest behind our neighbors' houses last week.
(That neighbor's house you see is not the house that keeps the security light on all night - that house is just up the hill a bit, meaning it shines in my windows all night long.  I feel like I'm in the Big House and the searchlight is on, looking for Cool Hand Luke!)

I like shadows - I am attracted to strong shadows in anything.  The early morning light was making some nice shadows in the first two photos.

Our yard ends at the fenceline.  Pretty soon the trees will be even more bloomed out there.  

All are possible references for practice paintings.  There certainly is enough green to keep me occupied!

And I could just set up outside and try some plein air painting in the comfort of my own back yard?  Maybe...if the temperature would go back up to 75F.

This shows a wetter version - after a rainy day.

 You don't have to travel far to find potential landscape paintings.  Of course, you want to omit a lot of things - like the fence line - or move a few things around to suit yourself.  That's the fun of being an artist.

Have a great week!  I'll be in my little art room practicing and hope to have something good to show you sooner rather than later.  I am returning to my Caw Girl series for a painting that, if it turns out well, I may enter in the upcoming Cincinnati Art Club Viewpoint Show - we'll see.