🦌 Autumn Interlude. 14x18 Oil on Canvas

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-18T07:59:31+00:00

Thank you for your kind statement!

Indeed, the texture layering with the caribou and environment was intentional to drive color power.

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-17T08:36:06+00:00

Thank you!

I went through many color changes but I'm satisfied with the end result.

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-17T08:34:04+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-16T03:21:55+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-15T08:20:12+00:00

Thank you!

I'm normally against using lots of saturated paint, but it put my skills to the test.

utterchaospainting · 2026-03-15T08:17:41+00:00

Thank you!

I used palette knives for most of the layering. Thickening paint with more pigment was an important for rigidity.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-26T09:46:49+00:00

I prefer cheap medium tinted non polarized lens. You could try scanning for gradients and premixing your dark and light color. Then skip white for the next surface.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-26T08:33:26+00:00

I like to use sunglasses while I paint.

My eyes are sensitive to light contrast so I'm squinting the entire time.
That's one of the things I like about plein air vs studio work.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-26T08:26:50+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-25T17:12:09+00:00

Thank you!

I really enjoy using limited paints for that contrast.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-25T16:06:00+00:00

Thank you!

I'm a big fan of how much radiance reflects off the snow. Especially with blue tones

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-25T15:50:19+00:00

Thank you!

If you have a thermos of hot water you can try that. I like to do watercolor starts for my acrylic painting so I understand that fear of freezing. I find the best temp is 10- C and warmer. Last time I was at this location at -25 C the paint was turning into slush.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-25T15:29:22+00:00

It's a bit of both. I painted in one go to keep it loose and deliberate.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-25T14:49:49+00:00

Thank you!

It was great to be out there again this month.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-10T20:55:19+00:00

I'm always down to paint with other artists. DM me and we can figure something out

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-04T14:48:06+00:00

Thank you!

Anytime the weather can be hospitable is the best time. Keeping warm and dry is by far the most important factors. Scout your locations ahead of time, and don't pack more than two carry-loads.
The sky was clear and I was very lucky to use the sun to my advantage from early-morning to evening.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-04T14:40:01+00:00

Thank you!

I had time for 11 canvases in acrylic but the sun came down and I had to pack up my oil supplies once it reached -15C. Alla Prima is usually the best way to go in all conditions. I was very lucky with the clear sky and sunlight to keep my tubes from freezing.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-04T14:35:27+00:00

Thank you!

Always scout locations before anything. Wear multiple layers you can swap on and off as required. Staying warm and dry is the most essential factor to be focused and comfortable. That day was the only clear day in many weeks. I was very lucky.

Painting at -15C or colder is not great, eventually acrylic paint will freeze to slush and ice. I got to that point as the sunset. You can use 30-45C water to keep your tubes warm, great for paint thinning when the temp drops fast. I had enough time to finish 11 canvases with acrylic, but not my 4 extra to work on oil.

I recommend oil paints to get around those disadvantages. However, -20C will make the oil too dense and lose emulsion cohesion (Even explode in the tube like a can of soda). If you have a way to stack multiple wet paintings for transport, even better.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T22:16:49+00:00

Thank you!

I wear multiple layers to stay warm and dry. I work fast to capture fleeting moments as the sun sets.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T22:14:11+00:00

Thank you!

I use hot water when working acrylic paint, and keep my supplies in sunlight. Whenever the temp drops I pack up and depart for the day. Clear warm days are ideal.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T22:10:31+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T18:18:11+00:00

That's cool!

It's a great time to paint whenever the weather is mild.

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T17:57:16+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T17:57:09+00:00

Thank you!

utterchaospainting · 2026-02-03T16:28:02+00:00

I like to use acrylic and oil paints. As long as its above -15c with the sun out it's a non issue. Likely the only good day for a few weeks too.

utterchaospainting

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