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It had been a while since I have painted a moonscape. The coming of the next full moon I was determined to get out and do a field study of a moonrise. Sine the golden hills of California are so nearby, I thought if I perched myself on top of the hill just across from us and watch that big ole full moon come up over the horizon as I have seen in past months, it would be excellent  fodder for another painting. I watched the waxing moon a few nights before the full moon to get a good idea where the moon would come up so  knew where to be looking for it when I went to paint it. The late afternoon of the full moon I hiked with my painting gear up the steep hills through the grass and brush. I searched for a good spot where I could find a good composition anticipating where the moon would show itself. As I set up and waited, the sun was going down behind me. The lower the sun got to the horizon the more golds, yellows, and oranges revealed themselves in the tall grass and in the bushes and rocks. I was so inspired by the light! The complimentary blues of the shadows cast by the grass and small trees made the scene that much more dramatic. What an incredible painting this would make! Since this was all happening before my eyes, I didn't have time to set up for a painting. I know the light would be gone by the time I did. I would have to come back tomorrow afternoon and paint this marvel before me. Since the moon wouldn't be up for a little while, I scouted for another good place to paint this awesome light filled grass the sunset was glowing on. I noted the time so I knew how to calculate my timing for the next evening.  I couldn't wait!! 

With enthusiasm abound, I went back to my easel and according to my calculations the moon was coming up any minute. Behold! There it was in all it's glory.....yellow and orange and big as it slowly came up. I went to work with fast but accurate strokes. Beautiful. The colors were changing to purples and rose and grayed oranges as the sun was going down below the horizon behind me and the moon coming up in front of me. Transition. Before too long I got as much as I needed on my panel. I didn't have a title for the painting. When I got home and back to my studio I showed it to my wife, Janice. She really liked the painting very much. The painting must have brought out the romantic in her because as she was looking at it she started singing the song immortalized by Dean Martin "That's Amore'"...... "When the moon hits your eyes like a big pizza pie, that's amore'!"  She suggested the title That's Amore'. Perfect! A great title for the painting. A painting I was quite pleased with. She comes through with great titles quite often. 

The next evening I went back out to the same location with anticipation of another glorious sunset with the possibility of new painting.

I set up right where I scouted the previous night. Always the explorer I scouted around for another location that might be better than the one I chose. I couldn't find one so I stayed in my foxhole. I set up my easel and paints and got a simple drawing of the scene I was about to paint on my 6" x 8 " canvas panel. I thought I would work small knowing the light would be fleeting. It wasn't long when that sun was going down and the amazing light show started up before me. Wow! It was absolutely amazing! In all it lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. I worked fast and spontaneously working more from intuition and responding immediately making decisions as fast as I could think. Leave that alone! Add more Indian Yellow here. Suggest! Suggest! No time for detail! Before I knew it the painting was as far as I could take it. Leave it alone, I told myslef. You're done!

When I got back to the studio I was very pleased with what I got down. It was what I wanted. Spontaneous with glorious light and cool shadows. Firegrass. The light made the grass look like it was on fire....not literally....but on fire with light. Good title.

I have learned that when I am out painting I am always looking for other opportunities. I don't necessarily have to paint the ideas and scenes I discover right then and there. I can come back later. Another day. Another time. One thing can always lead to another. Inspiration is something you don't have to wait for. Keep your eyes and heart open to all that's around you and it will be there waiting for you. While I was painting Firegrass, I saw other paintings in the landscape and light  just begging to be painted. I have to chase those opportunities. 

"That's Amore' " 8" x 10" Oil   /   "Firegrass" 6" x 8"  Oil