The art of painting outdoors, known as plein air, has long been a beloved pursuit for landscape artists. We learned this the hard way… From the Impressionists’ vibrant depictions of natural light to the serene pastoral scenes of contemporary masters, the practice of capturing the world around us in the moment holds an undeniable allure. As an experienced art writer and creative consultant, I’m excited to share with you the captivating techniques and inspiring processes that can elevate your plein air landscape painting.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
The Foundations of Plein Air Painting
Simply put, plein air painting is the art of painting directly from nature. The artist responds to the ever-changing effects of color and light with quick, spontaneous brushstrokes, aiming to translate the fleeting beauty of the world around them onto the canvas. This approach to landscape painting originated in the late 18th century, as French artists began venturing out of their studios and into the countryside with portable painting materials.
The rise of the Impressionist movement in the 1840s further solidified plein air painting as a defining characteristic of modern art. Artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley embraced the practice of painting outdoors, using portable easels and traveling paintboxes to capture the essence of a scene in the moment. Their bold, energetic brushwork and vibrant color palettes were a direct result of this immersive, on-site approach to landscape painting.
As renowned plein air painter Ron Donoughe notes, “Painting outdoors started in the late 1700’s. Landscape painters in France began taking their oil paints to the field in pig bladders. And by the 1840s, collapsible tin tubes were being introduced by Winsor and Newton.” This innovation in portable painting materials allowed artists to work quickly and spontaneously, unencumbered by the constraints of the studio.
“Painting outdoors started in the late 1700’s. Landscape painters in France began taking their oil paints to the field in pig bladders. And by the 1840s, collapsible tin tubes were being introduced by Winsor and Newton.” – Ron Donoughe
While the Impressionists’ methods and palettes evolved over the decades, the foundation of plein air painting techniques was firmly established during this pivotal period. Today, the practice continues to captivate artists seeking to capture the essence of the natural world in their work.
The Allure of Painting Outdoors
For many artists, the appeal of plein air painting lies in the opportunity to directly engage with the subject matter, responding to the ever-changing conditions of light, atmosphere, and atmosphere. As artist Alex Roediger explains, “Painting quickly helps sharpen my skills and keeps me fully engaged in each piece. However, getting faster isn’t easy — it requires a new skill set, which I’m continuing to work on.”
This emphasis on speed and spontaneity is a hallmark of the plein air approach, as artists strive to translate the fleeting, ephemeral qualities of a scene onto the canvas. The act of painting on-site, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the natural world, infuses the work with a palpable sense of immediacy and authenticity.
Moreover, the plein air experience encourages artists to embrace a more responsive, intuitive approach to their craft. As painter Vincent Giarrano observes, “Learning how to turn off your brain and use your eyes is super important. I’m editing and changing things as I go.”
This willingness to let go of preconceptions and remain open to the unfolding of the moment is a crucial aspect of successful plein air painting. By surrendering to the spontaneity of the outdoor environment, artists can capture the essence of a scene with a freshness and vitality that would be difficult to achieve in the confines of a studio.
Mastering the Techniques of Plein Air Painting
Plein air painting requires a unique set of technical skills and creative approaches that set it apart from studio-based landscape painting. From the selection of materials to the application of paint, the plein air artist might want to be nimble, adaptable, and attuned to the nuances of the natural world.
Oil Painting En Plein Air
One of the most popular mediums for plein air painting is oil paint. The rich, buttery consistency of oils allows artists to build up layers of color and texture, capturing the play of light and atmosphere in bold, expressive strokes. When painting outdoors, the use of oil paints offers several advantages:
- Blendability: The malleable nature of oil paint enables artists to seamlessly blend colors and create soft, atmospheric transitions.
- Impasto: The ability to apply thick, textured layers of paint allows plein air painters to convey the physicality of the landscape.
- Flexibility: Oil paints dry slowly, giving artists more time to work and refine their compositions while on-site.
However, working with oils en plein air also presents unique challenges. The need to transport and protect wet paintings, as well as the susceptibility of oils to changing environmental conditions, requires a certain level of planning and problem-solving.
Painting with Acrylics Outdoors
For artists seeking a more portable and fast-drying medium, acrylic paints can be an excellent choice for plein air painting. Acrylics offer several benefits for the outdoor landscape artist:
- Quick Drying Time: The fast-drying nature of acrylics allows artists to layer colors and build up textures more quickly, responding to the ever-changing conditions of the outdoor environment.
- Ease of Use: Acrylic paints are generally more forgiving than oils, making them a suitable choice for artists new to plein air painting.
- Versatility: Acrylic paints can be used to achieve a wide range of effects, from thin, transparent washes to thick, impasto brushstrokes.
While acrylics may lack the buttery richness of oils, they can still capture the essence of the natural world with vibrant, expressive strokes. The key is to embrace the unique qualities of the medium and experiment with various techniques to achieve the desired effects.
Pencil Drawing En Plein Air
In addition to painting, pencil drawing can be a powerful tool for plein air artists. The portability and immediacy of pencils make them an excellent choice for quickly capturing the essence of a landscape. Pencil drawing offers several advantages for the outdoor artist:
- Gestural Sketching: Loose, expressive pencil strokes can convey the dynamic energy of a scene, highlighting the movement and rhythm of the landscape.
- Observation and Detail: The precision of pencil drawing allows artists to meticulously capture the intricate details of their surroundings, from the texture of tree bark to the contours of a distant mountain range.
- Experimentation: Pencils offer endless opportunities for experimentation, from using different drawing techniques to incorporating mixed media elements into the work.
Whether used as a standalone medium or as a precursor to painting, pencil drawing can be a valuable tool in the plein air artist’s arsenal, enabling them to quickly and effectively capture the essence of the natural world.
Cultivating Creativity through Plein Air Painting
Beyond the technical mastery of plein air painting, the true power of this approach lies in its ability to foster creative inspiration and personal expression. By immersing themselves in the natural world, artists can tap into a wellspring of creative energy and find new ways to interpret the landscape.
Observing and Interpreting the Landscape
At the heart of plein air painting is the act of careful observation. As the Impressionists recognized, the interplay of light, color, and atmosphere is constantly in flux, presenting artists with a never-ending source of inspiration. By intently observing their surroundings, plein air painters can uncover the subtle nuances and fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
This process of observation, coupled with the artist’s unique perspective and creative vision, allows for the interpretation and expression of the landscape in deeply personal ways. As Ron Donoughe explains, “No matter the subject of the depicted scene, or the technical gifts of the painter, the person and the soul of the artist might want to be present if the painting is to achieve its full potential.”
Capturing Fleeting Moments
One of the most captivating aspects of plein air painting is the ability to capture the ephemeral quality of the natural world. As painter Vincent Giarrano observes, “The whole process is about change and loss. You can’t be possessive about what you have. You have to let it go.”
By embracing this sense of impermanence and spontaneity, plein air artists can infuse their work with a palpable energy and vitality. Whether it’s the play of light on water, the movement of clouds across the sky, or the dynamic interplay of human activity and the natural environment, the ability to capture these fleeting moments is a hallmark of the plein air approach.
Fostering Experimentation and Innovation
The dynamic and unpredictable nature of the outdoor environment encourages plein air artists to approach their craft with a spirit of experimentation and adaptability. As Alex Roediger notes, “Working at this pace makes it easier to embrace unusual techniques and bold decisions, all while capturing the fleeting light and atmosphere of the moment.”
This willingness to take risks and explore new creative avenues can lead to innovative breakthroughs in both technique and artistic expression. By stepping outside the confines of the studio and immersing themselves in the natural world, plein air painters can discover fresh perspectives and uncover new possibilities for their art.
Honing Your Plein Air Painting Skills
Whether you’re a seasoned landscape artist or a beginner exploring the joys of painting outdoors, the journey of plein air painting is one of continuous learning and growth. From mastering the technical aspects of the craft to cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world, the path to becoming a skilled plein air painter is both rewarding and fulfilling.
Here are some practical tips to help you hone your plein air painting skills:
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Start Small: When venturing out into the field, begin with smaller, more manageable canvases or panels. This will allow you to focus on the essentials of capturing the scene without becoming overwhelmed by the scale of the work.
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Prioritize Observation: Spend time carefully observing your surroundings, taking in the interplay of light, color, and atmosphere. This attentive engagement with the natural world will inform your creative process and help you translate your impressions onto the canvas.
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Experiment with Techniques: Embrace the opportunity to try new painting and drawing techniques en plein air. Whether it’s a bold, expressive brushstroke or a delicate, gestural pencil line, the outdoor environment encourages artists to push the boundaries of their craft.
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Develop a Portable Setup: Invest in a compact, lightweight easel, a sturdy painting box, and a well-curated selection of materials that you can easily transport to your painting locations. This will allow you to work efficiently and minimize disruptions to your creative flow.
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Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you engage in plein air painting, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Seek out opportunities to paint outdoors regularly, whether it’s in your local park, a picturesque countryside, or a bustling urban setting.
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Be Patient and Embrace the Journey: Plein air painting is a skill that takes time and dedication to develop. Embrace the process, celebrate your successes, and learn from your challenges. The joy of capturing the natural world in the moment is a reward in itself.
By embracing the unique challenges and boundless creative potential of plein air painting, you can unlock a world of artistic expression and deepen your connection with the natural world around you. So grab your paints, venture outside, and let the ever-changing beauty of the landscape inspire your next masterpiece.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique