Artists have been drawing and painting art outdoors for centuries. Before cameras could take a picture for when you're back at the studio, there was something real and dynamic captured when the creation was from life straight to canvas.
Here are some tips I've collected during my plein air experiences:
Plan for the weather
If it has rained recently, I'll fold up a trash bag to bring and sit on to stay dry. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray depending on the season.
Bring a backpack
Make sure to pack a snack and water bottle as this will keep you painting longer. I find a backpack is easier if you'll be hiking to your destination or want to be hands free. I can fit all my supplies in the backpack and then carry the easel and canvas if I bring one (sometimes I'll sit with a large clipboard and paper instead.)
Decide between wet or dry media
This is my personal preference, but I'll choose one or the other. Keep in mind you can't 'do it all' while on location. Water soluble pastels and watercolor colored pencils are the best of both worlds here. Bring your water or turpenoid in a small jar and keep in mind the eco-friendly thing to do is bring it back home with you, not to dump it outside.
Bring only the essential supplies
-pencil and eraser -waterproof pen (Micron pen)
-surface for painting (paper or canvas)
-small ruler or viewfinder
-small, large, and medium paintbrush
-jar of water or turpenoid
-small sketchbook or scratchpaper
-media of your choice: paints/pens/colored pencils/pastels -clipboard or easel
-rag instead of paper towels
-paint palette
-palette knife
-watercolor or bristol paper
When I bring "dry media" which basically means "not paint", I'll bring one item in each color of the rainbow. So for instance a red marker, an orange colored pencil, a yellow oil pastel, green crayon, blue pen, etc! I just choose my favorite color from each art supply set I have. This is a really fun way to do plein air and keep your artwork interesting.
Bring the right mindset
Your plein air journey will have ups and downs! You may work better seated at a park bench than squatting in a forest, so do what works for you. Not every piece you create will be a masterpiece, just like in the studio. But the experience of plein air is enjoyable if you stay open to it. Painting outside is very suited to an impressionistic approach, since the light changes often and there is a lot of movement. Don't be hesitant to change your angle or position halfway through the session if something isn't working, or to focus on a subject you wouldn't normally be receptive to.
You can finish later
There is certainly no rule saying you cannot begin a piece outdoors, work on it a while, and finish it in the studio with a photo reference from that day.
Ultimately, plein air is a collaboration between the artist and the environment.
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