Plein Air General Info

INTRODUCTION ~ GENERAL INFO

Trying Plein Air

...'it was as if a veil had been torn from my eyes.
I understood, I grasped what painting was
capable of being'... --Claude Monet

Plain air, en plein air, or in situ -- to an artist, all mean working on location to create art with portable art supplies. Taking one's studio outdoors has become popular as an occasional endeavor or a full time occupation. Once for the daring and rebellious, its controversial induction by artistic forefathers, the Impressionists, circa early 1900s, it now has magazines and materials devoted this wonderful and sometimes challenging experience.

Since paint was not in convenient tubes yet, it does make one wonder what possessed them to get close to nature. Changes in light ? Boredom and monotony? Reverence toward creation? Yes, all of these. Tired of one more classical statue and all white--they needed a change of venue and maybe you could use one too. Finding yourself in front of beautiful scenery or cityscapes may be just the 'stretch' you need to loosen the lid on your 'box' . Simply put, Plein air rocks!

Nature scenes emphasizing light continue to be a favorite quest for both artists and art patrons. If you enjoy direct interaction with nature and with people, the plein air painting experience is a healthy adrenalin rush. It can be a giga source of information--not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to gain informal exposure, get a multitude of reactions to your work from public cross sections--artists from other cultures or locals, non-painting perfect strangers or painting buds you get to know better. Almost always it lifts spirits and relaxes the physique. Just to smell an herbal air, see a ruin and contemplate its history and endurance, or get out of the studio and move around a bit, is liberating.

To the unseasoned, it may seem a bit daunting to think that a perfect stranger might give unsolicited commentary on your work. If so, this may be the time to employ the latest little MP3 player, (or minimally the earpods very visibly) to tune them out. Before you head out download Mozart or audible book or other preferred distraction. Alternatively, you can choose a remote spot. Perhaps you might have reservations about other creatures in your work space, not just curious onlookersm but critters that can leave your skin itchy or affectionately wet. There's a plethora of things on the market for before and after bites. It would be too strong to say that taking one's atelier outside is everyone's cup of tea, but truly it is worth trying. You might just want to do 'starts' and combine the best of both worlds. Lay in a fresh sketch or color notes while outside and finish them later, armed with full accoutrements in the comfort of your home studio. Some artists consciously do a lot of starts to capitalize on peak blooms or other coloration with intent of finishing them in a winter studio for example.

If you are contemplating having a go at it, like most things, a bit of preparation goes a long way to contribute to a successful experience. There are many ways to kit up for plein air and interpreting just how you do it is evolutionary and part of the fun. Some artists prefer the bare minimum, which fits into a fanny pack. Others make it a party with the whole kit and caboodle complete with cooler and high tea with friends! It is interesting to see how many variations on this theme are possible--the innovators of the art, the Da Vincian spirit reigns supreme when coming up with your personal solutions outdoor artist encounter. Soem have made these wishes come true with new products available in stores just for this genre. One of my faves is the BestBrella. The keywords to remember: lightweight, fast set up, minimum space, results. Whatever gets the job done efficiently is what works best. So keep tweaking and don't give up to fast.

After you have experienced two or three paint outs, you can tell if you are hooked on it. You'll be specking out fisherman quarters and keen to fit a folding chair into your purse, pocket, boot of the car, suitcase or saddlebag. Shoulder straps will be de rigueur for anything tote-able. You'll start to fancy convertible clothing that can be zipped on/off for any terrain or weather. You'll share unusual shopping secrets like insect repellent that smells just like perfume or music that make you paint faster or create the mood for an almost religious experience with nature. People that paint indoors will be 'one of them'. You'll have new hangouts--with numerous groups advocating open air painting or be savvy to start your own private one--just invite a friend who likes to read. They don't even have to paint, but just appreciate nature and solitude.

One artist organization in Belgium promotes the use of watercolor through plein air gatherings and it has a sister club in Italy. Members plan in advance four yearly paint outs, where artist/members sprinkle onto carefully mapped out vistas for a few days of hosted painting pleasure. At the end of the home one-day paint outs in Belgium, they mount one intentionally UNSIGNED work for after-dinner crits by leaders or invited artists. For example, in winter, they book a gymnasium for a winter paint out, where a hundreds of artists from three bordering countries show up once a year to paint, dine and head for the soup kitchen before settling down for the anonymous crits together.

Plein air activities are sporadic and somewhat weather dictated, but a well chosen one, with indoor contingencies if necessary, can lend much knowledge and pleasure. Paint outs may be fundraising auctions for towns and villages or a cause such as conservation/preservation. So kit up, find a beautiful venue, or a good cause and give yourself about three hours to rock and roll out there. Pack the supplies and Carpe Diem, Dude. See our Checklists for a headstart in getting your gear together. You'll be ready in no time and your first attempt will have everyone thinking you've done it for years. Go for it!