Passing Storm

This is an 8x12 oil painting that was completed en plein air (with only very minor studio touch-ups) in early September. We were set up in a field and I wasn't feeling overly inspired...it was a typical late summer field, with clumps of trees here and there and an empty blue sky. As I was setting up I noticed clouds building up in the distance...they rapidly grew and created a beautiful backdrop for all those greens and golds. I knew what I wanted to paint...but the clouds passed very quickly. I was able to get enough blocked in to finish the painting. Ironically, during most of the painting time, the sky was completely clear.