This week I ended up with Judy at Sag Quarry because we couldn't get into the Saganau Nature Center. The closest alternative in the Cook County Forest Preserves was the quarry around the corner. We almost left but decided to take on the challenge of trying to make this swamp into something attractive on our canvases. I brought oils this time because rain was possible. Oil resists water but pastels do not. It was bug and mosquito heaven but thanks to a thick coat of insect repellant I was annoyed but not bitten. Quite a few bugs met their demise in oil paint. Here are the photos of my set up, inspiration, and final oil painting.



Yes, that's scum on the water. Obviously I exercised my artistic license by removing the tree and enhancing the water and other colors. I painted without my glasses so I couldn't see very well, just shapes and colors. I almost exclusively used a palette knife to keep it loose and to give texture. As it turned out, the sky cleared and it became quite warm. Well, I'm glad we took on the challenge to see if we could make something attractive out of an ugly scene. You can see more of our adventures at www.facebook.com/FlanaganFineArt.