Christmas Painting

As a gift for my wife’s parents, I went out Christmas morning and painted a “portrait” of their house. I had two things going for me to make it an easy task; its wasn’t snowing and it was warm for a winter day. I hadn’t painted outside in what would normally be considered unfavorable conditions. But I don’t think the best landscape painters only painted on warm sunny days either. I was looking at it as a chance to experience what a painter needs to experience to get the information he needs. Being a painter it turns out can be as adventurous a life as Indiana Jones if you choose the right climes and locations. I’m sure my friend Scott Tallman Powers can attest to that.

One decision I made might be considered a tip. I used the hatchback to create a nice seating area. The opened hatch blocked out the sun from my palette as well. and all the space in the back of the truck made it really easy to keep my paints and brushes accessible. So, maybe this is more of a cheat. I only had to run into the house twice to warm up. The biggest disadvantage to painting outside is not moving very much. When you go for a run outdoors you can safely add 15 degrees to the temperature, and for just sitting there I think you need to subtract 20-30 degrees it felt like. I needed hard warmers.

This painting is 9×12, oil on panel.

Collett House by Aaron Miller | private collection