Pining for Trees

Plein air artist, Eva Marie Tanner Klaas, is focusing on painting trees this year and Brookings, Oregon is just the place for her to practice. She gets up early in the morning to find her subject.

"Look At Me"  6X8 Oil On Canvas

Sometimes she will come out several times a day to capture the right moment.The rule she has learned is at least 60 percent of the painting should be shadow and dark. The rest in light. She does her thumbnail sketches in simple three value sketches and chooses the best composition. 
Next, Eva blocks in the dark and then light with paint.  When the work is completed, she critiques it and makes changes.  If it still doesn't look right,  she will track down another artist and ask for their expertise.
Here is one of the surf pines Eva painted at the Winchuck.