Laraine Armenti

student of painting

Suburbs

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I've been using a sketchbook to look for outdoor painting locations that offer parking, shade and other necessities, along with the subject itself. The pen is liquid ink, made by Pilot, claims to be archival. ABOVE: Houses, pen & moleskine, 5x8 in (13x20 cm), 07/24/12 Observatory, pen & moleskine, 5x8 in (13x20 cm), 07/24/12 Greenhouse, pen & cachet, 8 x10 in (20x25 … [Read more...]

Hourglass Lake

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"the secret of durable pigments... the refuge of art," V. Nabokov, Lolita Everything outside is constantly on the move. Clouds, sun, breeze, water, and reflections translate into frequently transformed pattern, shape, color and value. It's difficult enough to make out what one is seeing. Even more challenging to organize paint in response. But it's wonderful to be outside in delightful weather. … [Read more...]

Charles River, no. 5

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Happily this week, a quiet respectful family admired but did not interrupt four painters working outside. Another father enthusiastically fished with his two young kids, frequently reminding them to lower their voices because "the artists are working." Thick underbrush in this area restricts desirable river views and access to a tiny stretch of beach. When I arrived, I was angry to see litter on … [Read more...]

Charles River

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Today's 50% chance of rain turned out to be benign light showers. The weather changed frequently back and forth between overcast and brilliant sun. It was a perfect day to be outside working next to a slow flowing river. The antique stone bridge crosses a small stagnant side channel. Cars within the park continue to travel on it, somewhat incongruously, and so far too fast to record in paint. … [Read more...]

Charles River

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It turns out painting has a few things in common with fishing. Artists look for similar choice spots to set up and don't like newcomers to crowd it. The best catch is often the one that got away. The first painting I did looked great about a half hour before I finished work. The experience reminded me of a joke heard this summer: How many people does it take to make a painting? Two. One to paint, … [Read more...]