Like all artists I made a list of resolutions for the new year.  One of mine for 2010 was to go out and paint plein air at least once a week. So naturally, when my friend and fellow painter Mike Rooney was here last week to teach a workshop, I jumped on the chance to get in a few days of plein air painting with another painter. Granted we had a small respite from the subfreezing temperatures we have been suffering from here on the Outer Banks.  I did not even get upset with how badly I was painting.  After all, I had not been out for a while and working from photos in the seclusion of the stuio is way different from painting in plein air. So, what really is my complaint??? Did I forget to mention that Mike is a plein air machine??? He cranks out 4-6 pieces almost every day.  At the end of 3 days, I was wasted. I am reminded of that comercial on tv...."Remember kids, don't try this at home, I am a professional". Anyway, after a little tweaking back in the studio I did end up with 5-6 pretty nice studies, so thanks, Mike.

The photo is of Mike and "Bessie" his infamous plein air traveling partner.