“Rooted”- Plein air on the James River
20 08 2008A few days ago I picked up a copy of a map of the James River by Richmond Times Dispatch artist Tom Roberts . The map focuses on highlights of the river around central Richmond, with information on plants and wildlife, as well as info on trails, parking, and scenic views. The cool thing about it is that it’s printed on Tyvek, so it’s waterproof! It’s not, however, paint-proof, though it cleans off fairly easily 
I’m so glad to have a map like this made available, and I’m using it as a guide for a James River series of plein air paintings, as I find the opportunity.
I painted this piece on location at a point along the river near a site called “The Wetlands”:
“Rooted”
Oil on Linen, 9×12″
Click here for more info.
I’d visited the Pony Pasture location that’s nearby before, but not this particular point, and thought it seemed interesting on the map. Unfortunately The Wetlands weren’t wet at all as I’d imagined them to be. I’m not sure what they’re normally like, but we do really need some rain and there wasn’t even a puddle in sight in this drought.
Undeterred, I continued down to the riverbank. The river was also very low (and as a result, mildly, er, “aromatic” depending on the wind shift.) But I became interested in the light and the diagonals of the trees and the rocks, as well as the twisted tree roots clinging to the river’s edge; so I decided to give it a whirl.
I really enjoyed painting down by the James. There were herons, canadian geese, and lots of butterflies to keep me company. There was also the occaisional dog chasing flying sticks and a crew or two of kayakers paddling by. According to a “tidbit” on my map, the James represents the only white water that cuts through an urban area. We really are lucky to have it, and I hope we will continue to preserve and maintain it so that ”regular folks” like me can have access to it and enjoy its natural beauty.
p.s: Local artists might be interested to know something I’ve heard from park manager Ralph White. There is a new guide to the James for painters and photographers that is scheduled to come out some time this fall.
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Wow! I came by tonight to comment on yesterday”s painting because I was in a hurry last night. The Lot Valley is lovely and a great painting, but today’s plein air piece blew me away. The color blue you used is a bit different I think, really nice hues in the water. But my favorite parts are the warm light on the rocks and roots and the blue sky bits showing through the trees. This little painting really takes me to the place by the moving river- It does it’s job in a delightful way. You are just too good!
Jennifer~
~Amy~
I have been catching up on all your paintings. This last one is just beautiful.
But, as I was scrolling down, I found the painting you did in the childrens garden @ LGG.
The funny thing is, I was there yesterday, sitting on that bench around the tree, & drawing (I had my pastels W/ me) That same spot from the view that the bench gave me. And, I can tell everyone, that you captured that garden spot perfectly.
Rowan was splashing in the sprinklers, so I can’t wander to far.
& I just posted some pictures of her splashing yesterday.
Marilyn- Thanks ever so much for your thoughts. The things you are most attracted to are the things I had the most fun painting–go figure! Those roots were even “rootier” in person, but I did my best without giving into the temptation to illustrate every one. The water was a bit more of a challenge. I’m more familiar with painting still water and reflections. The backlighting also made it very hard to see the light parts as anything but white so I had to really squint to see the pinkish color. Guess that’s a few more wrinkles–oh well!
Amy- That was my first visit to the children’s garden. What a delightful place! I don’t have kids so I’ve not ventured in there before, but I know now where I’ll take my nephews and nieces when they come for another visit. I’m glad to know I did a decent job of capturing the spot. Thank you! This spot has some wonderful flowers to paint, but I think it would be a great spot to do some quick gestural figure studies too, don’t you?
Great roots. Odd how the smallest simplest things can so…….”be the painting” You are a truly gifted artist.
Rick, I appreciate your generous comments. You know, in all honesty I wasn’t too sure about it. It is a pretty quiet piece for me, but then it’s very possible that I can sometimes get a little *too* seduced by active brushwork! But I think probably you are right about the roots. Without them it would be perhaps a little *too* quiet. I guess the piece is aptly titled
Your plein air paintings are so beautiful! I love the look of late afternoon light on the water with the peach colors. If only my Richmond (CA) looked as lovely as yours!
Jana
Thank you so much Jana–from a fellow Richmonder