Categories
Art Plein Air Painting

Is it Normal to Feel Lost Painting Plein Air, Even Though I Am a Seasoned Artist?

YES! Because you are learning a new skill, a different way of painting and seeing. It is similar to switching paint mediums, such as going from oils to watercolor. Until you learn how to approach and control the paint, you will be frustrated with the results. There will be a learning curve.

When I first started to paint plein air in 2007, I was a studio painter who used reference photos.  An artist friend invited me to paint plein air with a group of artists at a plein air event. Thinking this would be easy and I’d pump out some fantastic paintings, I was quickly was humbled. My paintings were terrible, so bad that I didn’t show them to anyone. After my first humbling experience,  I reevaluated my skill set. I realized I was not confident in drawing from life. Basically, I felt overwhelmed and like a failure as an artist. After that pivotal moment, I continued to dabble in plein air, but did not improve much, until I decided to strengthen my weak areas in drawing, perspective and understanding color/value for creating dimension in my paintings. I studied books, watched  videos but most of all practiced what I was learning. Making a commitment to go outdoors on a weekly schedule was the best teacher. Also painting with artists that were more accomplished than I assisted in growing my skill set faster.

My advice, don’t give up, learn to strengthen you artistic skills that are weak. In the end it will make you a better artist overall in and out of the studio. To me learning is the cornerstone of my artistic journey. I still have much to learn and creating YouTube videos assists me in mastering new skills as I teach my limited knowledge to others who are striving to grow.

 If you are a studio painter, then you are used to using a reference photo with all the proportions, color, value, and composition already established. You are painting in a controlled environment, with no concerns of the wind, sun, changing light, temperatures or curious children or adults. This all interrupts your flow in the creative process and can be frustrating.  

 Plein Air Painting is an entirely different process than studio painting. First you have to narrow down your subject into an area that is going to fit your canvas or paper size. Using a view finder or your camera to assist in finding the right composition is very helpful. However I caution that you don’t use this photo to paint from as it hinders the plein air experience. Otherwise you might as well go back to the comfort of your studio and paint. I’ve seen a lot of plein air painter do this, which only impedes their ability to truly paint plein air.

Once you make a decision on the composition, create a quick value sketch in the proportions of your canvas or paper size, annotating the position of the sun, shadows and highlights, as these will change quickly depending on the lighting. Cloudy days will allow your scene to stay constant, although you will not get the wow factor of the lighting.

Once you are satisfied with your composition, transfer the design to your substrate (canvas, paper, etc). This is your road map to start the painting. Use whatever method you prefer, pencil, thinned paint, charcoal, pastel pencil, etc.

Also I recommend an umbrella to shield the sun from your body as well as your painting surface. Having direct light on your substrate will alter the painting colors when you view them indoors. What looked fantastic outdoors, might read poorly indoors.

Artists start their painting differently. Since I am a pastel painter, I like to work from the top down, starting with the sky, then blocking in each area to get an overall sense of the scene, then I go back in with the details in each area, working on the background and then into the foreground, finishing with highlights and the darkest tones. Use whatever method is comfortable for you as you are developing your unique style that you use in the studio to the outdoors..

After completion of a plein air painting, I take it back to the studio and look at the overall composition with a fresh eye, making a few minor adjustments if it needs it. Many times I am satisfied with the original results, as it keeps the freshness of the scene without over working it in the studio.

If you use this approach, be consistent, it will produce good results and build confidence working outdoors.

Happy painting! I hope to see you at the easel…..

Categories
Art Plein Air Painting

What are the Benefits of Learning to Paint Plein Air?

Shh! Listen for the sights and sounds of nature. They are calling you to come and enjoy them. The French expression, En Plein Air, translates to “in the open air.” The style of artistically interpreting nature while in the moment is known as Plein Air painting.

Artists who paint outdoors love capturing nature in its brilliant glory. Plein Air painting in visually stimulating natural settings is an enchanting experience. But it’s not just the sights because painting in the open air engages all your senses.

Imagine immersing yourself in the warmth of a sunny day in a beautiful natural setting. You hear a running stream; a gentle breeze rolls through trees and caresses your face as you sense energizing outdoor scents. Embracing elements such as these generate delightful moments that add to the joy of working at the easel outdoors. Painting Plein Air preserves memories of cherished moments spent celebrating nature’s wonders.

Few things compare to the pleasant encompassing experiences Plein Air painting offers. While I’ve described a serene, pastoral setting above, you can paint outdoors anywhere, downtown street corners, deserted beaches, or bustling parks on a warm spring day. The variety of options to paint Plein Air style is endless. Make it a solo experience to drink in nature in solitude or organize a picnic outing with friends and fellow painters for a whole other experience.

Artists crave creative freedom, making Plein Air painting perfect because it has no rules. Find a spot, pick the prettiest viewpoint, and begin to create. Every work you paint need not be a masterpiece. There is delight and value in the doing. To be outdoors, to celebrate nature, and to unleash your creativity all at once is reason enough to paint Plein Air whenever possible.

Plen Air painting improves your art-making skills. You learn to work fast and to trust your instincts and talents. You discover how changing sunlight alters perspective, color, values, and even interpreting shapes. The best camera cannot record what you can see with the naked eye in Plein Air settings. It is invigorating to pull in all available visual information and quickly translate it into a unique artistic creation.

Art is a gift to the future, and Plein Air painting is a gift to yourself. It is personal time spent to reflect, absorb, and deeply engage in the splendor of nature while making art. There may be no better way to separate oneself from the stresses of everyday life.

Taking time for a Plein Air painting outing is perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Besides creating art, the experience rejuvenates your spirit. A few hours spent pleasantly absorbing nature and creating art are as good a self-care tonic as you can give yourself. A refreshed you can better provide care to those around you who need it.

Organizing Plein Air painting outings takes a lot of planning and energy. But I can say the results make the work worthwhile. Sharing the many gifts painting outdoors brings, the memories it creates, and the artwork that comes from it is gratifying beyond words. I’m here to help and guide you toward having the best Plein Air paining experience possible. All skill levels are welcome. It would be an honor and pleasure to have you join me on an upcoming Plein Air painting trip. Please use this link to subscribe to my newsletter and receive notifications of future events.

View my YouTube Plein Air Videos to get a sense of what it is like to paint outdoors.