Landscape Painting & Hunting by ATV?

[recon]

Hi guys,
Yes this is a highly specialized application of skills and interest.

I'm an artist/hunter and would like to begin planning some ATV access hunting excursions into our beautiful outback whilst making some time for "plein air" landscape painting.

My approach to this would be towards setting up the painting session in areas that could be productive to taking a deer. The priorities would be:

1. Interesting subject matter (painting)
2. Wind direction (acrylic & oil paint have an odor)
3. Good deer terrain (open ground)

I've never combined these activities and it's obvious that one would have to accept that their deer hunting efforts would be hampered by the painting component...

But here's my thinking, If a large open area is chosen for your painting work, you'll be studying the area with keen interest. Combine this with glassing and quiet observation, I could see how a great plein air session could be interupted by spotting, stocking and filling your tag.

I know it's wierd, but if you're an artist reading this you might see where I'm going with this... A partner would be nice so let me know if this might be up your alley for next year. I'll be throwing this request out again for a partner.

[brian]

I was thinking the same thing. But I worried I'd get so involved in the zen art mode that I would let something walk right by and never know it until later. But I figured next year I might pack a good durable sketchbook and a couple of pencils and throw them in the day bag when scouting.

[redneckdale]

jeezus guys its called paint the off season

[AT&T]

I am trying to picture this. I really am

[recon]

I am trying to picture this. I really am

Well let me paint you the picture... the sun is just rising through the trees, you're in position at your chosen location, the easel is set up and you begin your painting in whatever method you like but rest assured you'll be watching the woods, listening, and painting. Chances are you'll be in that position for 2 hrs maybe, in order to finish your piece. Should a deer meander out of the woods during that time frame... BANG!

Your best painting time is going to be during the best deer hunting times, dawn and dusk when your shadows are long and dark and your light is yellow and orange.

I've never done this before and I've never heard of it being done, possibly for good reason! =) ...but I aim to try it.

[gwillim]

So what happens if you're painting away, and it dawns on you that you are doing the painting of a lifetime, the one thats going to finally get you into the Louvre, then suddenly the biggest buck you've ever seen walks out into the meadow in front of you, the one that's going to finally get you into the record books...do you break the spell and shoot the buck, or keep painting and try to ignore those massive antlers walking past you?

[recon]

So what happens if you're painting away, and it dawns on you that you are doing the painting of a lifetime, the one thats going to finally get you into the Louvre, then suddenly the biggest buck you've ever seen walks out into the meadow in front of you, the one that's going to finally get you into the record books...do you break the spell and shoot the buck, or keep painting and try to ignore those massive antlers walking past you?

What a day that would be hey! I'm not sure what I'd do, Probably break the spell and take the buck, that painting can be finished another day...

[bearhunter338-06]

Take a picture then paint it latter

[Walking Buffalo]

You won't be the first to do this....

I'm a sculptor, and have carved while hunting...

Don't complicate your art by thinking and asking for opinions, just do it. Your muse will guide and reward you as deserved.

[dana]

Here's a couple plein air paintings my wife did on a backpackin' trip a few years ago.