A Solitary TAMU Water tower

I have a love and hate relationship with Texas. The landscape and trees can be beautiful, but the heat is so brutal that it punishes anyone tempted to paint outside. On trips with my partner to the Blinn campus I often noticed the Texas A&M water tower, standing alone in a field. Some might see it as an eyesore, but I have always loved the form of water towers, and I finally committed to painting this one.

I came prepared with my whitest shirt and a UV-reflecting umbrella, though there is only so much one can do in Texas heat. In the end, determination carried me through. My only regret is that I avoided the clouds. They intimidate me with their fleeting nature, and I know I need to face them soon by sketching clouds alone. For now, I am proud of my water tower painting, made in spite of the elements.

Oil on gesso-coated paper. About 1 h sketch.