This plein air painter sure loves painting out in the field on location. However, there are times when it simply isn't practical, not to mention safe! In mid-November on the way back from the beautiful mountain village of Idyllwild we came to this bend in the road. I had already stopped a couple of times to sketch out the view and make some color notes, so I was probably pushing my luck with the changing light to stop at this location. The view caught my interest and I had to do something, so I took a picture right through the windshield!

Seriously, I never imagined that anything would come of that photo. The downsides - and there are many - of painting from photos are serious and a trained eye can usually spot the mischief made by using a photo as your only source. Don't get me wrong, I like taking photos as much as the next guy. Plus, photos are very useful as a supplement to what your eye sees and captures... but only a supplement.

When I got home and checked my images I was super surprised to see that scene captured fairly acurately. I printed it out and was again surprised by the pleasant results. So I though that with nothing to lose except time and a canvas, I'd take a shot at painting it... not exactly as it was in the photo but as my mind's eye remembered it. Here it is for your consideration:)

"Familiar Bend in the Road", 9 by 12 inches, oil on canvas.