Late Summer in the Forest, 9x12"

I want to invite all my friends and artists to come to the Art in Nature event on September 23rd at the Crabtree Forest Preserve in Barrington.  I'll be there, rain or shine, painting out in nature.  Artists will be painting all through the forest that day, and there will be music and children's activities, too.  Plenty of art to see and purchase!  The hours will be 10:30-4:00.  I hope I'll see you there!

Illinois Sunflowers, 5x5"

Sunflowers are everywhere in our area right now-- profusions of them!  During a walk in a field, I came upon a huge branch of them hanging over my path.  I could look up into them at the sky above.  I toned a board with hot pink (pthalo red rose) and layered color on top with a palette knife. Sometimes starting a painting with an unexpected color can give a painting extra vibrancy.

If you would like to bid on this painting, please click on Ann Feldman Illinois Sunflowers.

Rain in the Woods, 8x8" (Sold)

This is the other plein air painting I completed in the rain at the Crabtree Paint Out.  A week later now, and my gear is just about dried out from the excursion!  Sure, there was some hardship involved that day, but I'm so glad that I didn't miss out on the beauty of that quiet spot.

If you would like to purchase this painting, please click on Ann Feldman Rain in the Woods.

Edge of the Prairie, 8x8" (Sold)

Can you tell that this little painting was created in a downpour?  Last Sunday's Crabtree Forest Paint Out was nearly washed out by rain, but a surprising number of hearty souls braved the weather with good cheer, and it turned out to be a fantastic day.  Dear husband John stuck with me the whole day-- we resembled a couple of whalers from Nantucket in our rain gear!  We trekked way out to the prairie where the adverse weather toned the grass and wildflowers into glowing fall color.  It was worth the trip!

To bid on this painting, please click on Ann Feldman Edge of the Prairie.

Tall Grass Study, Crabtree Forest Preserve, 5x5" (Sold)

The Crabtree Forest Paint Out is tomorrow, so this is the last of my studies before the big event.  I'm looking over my studies today, deciding which type of painting I should paint on site.  So far, I've gotten votes for the thistle study and the tree.  If you have any thoughts to share with me, please do so!  I love your input -- but time is limited! I'm packing up tomorrow morning!

These little studies (and a couple of extras) will be on sale at Crabtree tomorrow.  I've decided to price them at $40 a piece.  If you'd like me to put one aside for you, please let me know.  And thanks!

Wildflower Study, Crabtree Forest, 5x5"

This is another tiny plein air study I did in preparation for the Art in Nature event at Crabtree Forest Preserve this Sunday.  These studies will be for sale at the event, but if you'd like me to reserve one for you, just let me know!

Tree Study, Crabtree Forest 5x5" (Sold)

This is a little tree study that I painted in preparation for the Art in Nature event at Crabtree Forest this weekend.  All of these tiny studies will be for sale at the event-- if you would like me to reserve one for you, please let me know!

I'm trying to arrive at a final painting idea for the event, and I'd love to have your vote!  I'll post a couple more, so please stay tuned.

Thistle Study II, 5x5"

Here is the finished study in color.  While I was outside and in front of my subject, I mixed some of the colors that I was observing and made little swatches of these colors on a toned board.  When I came inside, I had my swatches, my three value study, and a photo or two to guide me. Taking the monochrome study from my previous post, I layered color on top.  I tried to keep to the lights and darks that I had mapped out, and I adjusted some problem compositional areas as I painted along.

I may decide to use this study to paint an actual painting, but sometimes I like the spontaneity of little studies like this one!

My plein air studies will be on sale this Sunday at the Crabtree Forest Paint Out-- come visit me!  The Preserve is on Palatine Road, near the intersection with Barrington Road.  I'll be there from 11-4.

The Weeping Willow, 10x8" (Sold)

$125, oil on Raymar canvas panel.  

This is the second scene that I painted at Crabtree Forest Preserve on that hot and mosquito-y day.  

Morning on the Water, 8x10"

Email me for purchase information

Yesterday I joined my plein air friends in Crabtree Forest Preserve to paint next to the lagoon.  The temperature and the mosquito count climbed quickly.  We painted intently to make the most of our short time available.  Nothing could be heard but the calls of hundreds of birds.  What a great morning!