An Artist's Sketchbook

Pittsburgh from Schenley Park

Painted a couple of Saturdays ago on Saint Patty's Day. It was a sunny day but way cold out. I set up next to a stand of pine trees, above the ice rink. Thought that was smart as it would block the wind. Big mistake! The wind would blow across a big berm next to the ice rink and pick up the snow only to dump it across my palette and paint panel. Good thing I was working in oil! So, being that it was so cold and I was beig pelted with snow, I only worked on this for about 30-40 minutes. This is my first plein air with a limited, three color, palette. Alizarin Crimson, Cadnium Orange hue and Thalo Blue. Only used two brushes for this, Filberts #8 and #4. Would have used some brights (would have made squaring off the buildings easier), but I forgot them at home. I may return to this spot and do a spring and summer version of this view.

8x10, oil on panel