The French Impressionists forever revolutionized the art world with their pioneering plein air painting techniques, enabling them to capture the fleeting beauty of natural light, colour, and atmosphere. We learned this the hard way… By venturing outside the confines of the studio, these visionary artists developed a fresh and spontaneous approach that celebrated the transient, often ephemeral nature of the world around them.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
One of the most captivating aspects of plein air painting is the ability to harness the ever-changing qualities of natural illumination. As the sun dances across the landscape, its rays cast dynamic shadows, ignite vibrant hues, and transform the very essence of a scene from one moment to the next. Mastering the nuances of this luminous interplay is the holy grail for many outdoor painters, who strive to convey the mercurial beauty of the natural world.
Coloured pencils, with their versatile application and ability to blend seamlessly, have emerged as a particularly evocative medium for capturing the ephemeral qualities of plein air subjects. Through layering, burnishing, and sensitive mark-making, artists can coax forth a luminous, lyrical quality that infuses their work with a sense of life and energy. Whether rendering a sun-dappled meadow, a glowing seascape, or the delicate petals of a flower, the humble coloured pencil becomes a powerful tool for interpreting the elusive dance of light and shadow.
Plein Air Painting: Capturing the Essence of Natural Light
At the heart of plein air painting lies a deep appreciation for the fleeting, ever-changing qualities of natural light. As the sun arcs across the sky, it casts shifting patterns of illumination and shadow that transform the landscape in a constant state of flux. Mastering the ability to quickly and intuitively translate these ephemeral effects is a hallmark of the great plein air painters.
Impressionist masters like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir embraced this sentiment, devoting countless hours to painting the same subject repeatedly at different times of day. Monet’s celebrated Haystacks and Rouen Cathedral series showcase his tireless pursuit of capturing the nuances of natural light, while Renoir’s sun-dappled landscapes and portraits radiate a luminous, atmospheric quality.
For the modern plein air artist, the challenge lies in distilling the essence of a fleeting moment, painting with spontaneity and immediacy to convey the spirit of the scene. Whether working with oils, acrylics, or the humble yet versatile coloured pencil, the key is to remain acutely attuned to the subtleties of light and shadow, colour temperature, and atmospheric effects. By honing one’s powers of observation and developing a heightened sensitivity to the natural world, artists can elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Coloured Pencil Techniques for Plein Air Painting
Coloured pencils have long been prized for their versatility and control, making them an ideal medium for plein air painting. Unlike the fluid application of paint, the waxy, solid pigments of coloured pencils allow for a more deliberate and nuanced approach, enabling artists to meticulously build up layers, blend seamless gradients, and capture intricate details.
When working en plein air, coloured pencils offer several advantages. Their compact, portable nature makes them easy to transport, while the ability to quickly layer and blend on the paper’s surface allows for a more responsive, improvisational style of painting. By harnessing techniques like burnishing, scumbling, and feathering, artists can imbue their work with a luminous, atmospheric quality that beautifully captures the essence of natural light.
One of the key coloured pencil techniques for plein air painting is layering. By applying multiple layers of pigment, artists can create depth, dimension, and a sense of vibrancy that brings their subject to life. Begin with a foundation of lighter, more muted tones, then gradually build up richer, more saturated hues, allowing each layer to dry fully before adding the next. This process not only enhances the overall luminosity of the work but also allows for a greater range of nuanced mark-making.
Blending is another essential skill for plein air painters working in coloured pencil. Using a soft, circular motion, artists can seamlessly transition between colours, effortlessly rendering the gradual shifts in light and shadow that are so characteristic of the natural world. Techniques like burnishing, where the pencil is applied with heavy pressure to create a smooth, waxy finish, can further enhance the luminous, atmospheric qualities of the painting.
For those seeking to capture the delicate details and intricate textures of a plein air scene, the precision of coloured pencils is unparalleled. By employing feathery, cross-hatching strokes, artists can meticulously render the intricate patterns of foliage, the shimmering surface of water, or the weathered texture of a wooden structure. This level of control and nuance is a particular strength of the medium, allowing plein air painters to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Creative Process: Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence
Beyond the technical mastery of plein air painting, the true power of this artistic approach lies in its ability to foster a deep connection with the natural world. By stepping outside the confines of the studio and immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the great outdoors, artists can cultivate a profound sense of mindfulness and presence.
As they observe the ever-changing dance of light and shadow, the subtle shifts in colour and atmosphere, plein air painters are challenged to abandon preconceptions and remain fully engaged with the present moment. This meditative state of being allows them to tap into a wellspring of creative inspiration, interpreting the landscape not merely as a visual stimulus but as a multisensory experience to be fully embodied.
For many artists, the act of painting en plein air becomes a form of active meditation, a means of slowing down, quieting the mind, and attuning themselves to the rhythms and patterns of the natural world. The ephemeral nature of the subject matter encourages a heightened sense of focus and awareness, as painters strive to capture the fleeting essence of a scene before it inevitably transforms.
This cultivation of mindfulness and presence is not merely a creative strategy but a profound philosophical approach to art-making. By learning to fully engage with their surroundings, plein air painters can imbue their work with a visceral authenticity, a palpable sense of connection and empathy that resonates with viewers on a deep, emotional level.
Plein Air Painting Tutorials: Capturing the Ephemeral in Coloured Pencil
For artists inspired to explore the luminous, lyrical qualities of plein air painting through the medium of coloured pencils, the journey begins with honing one’s powers of observation and developing a deep sensitivity to the natural world.
Composition and Framing: When working en plein air, consider how the placement of elements within the frame can enhance the sense of light, atmosphere, and movement. Experiment with asymmetrical compositions that guide the eye through the scene, using the negative space to create a sense of balance and harmony.
Colour and Atmosphere: Pay close attention to the subtleties of colour temperature and how they shift with the changing light. Observe how shadows take on hues of their own, reflecting the surrounding environment. Utilize coloured pencil techniques like layering and blending to capture these atmospheric effects.
Capturing Ephemeral Moments: The true essence of plein air painting lies in the ability to respond quickly and intuitively to the ever-changing conditions of the natural world. Develop a practice of rapid sketching and studies, focusing on capturing the spirit of a scene rather than laboring over minute details.
Experimenting with Mixed Media: Embrace the versatility of coloured pencils by integrating other media into your plein air paintings. Experiment with adding touches of watercolour, gouache, or pastel to amplify the luminosity and vibrancy of your work.
Developing a Unique Style: As you continue to hone your plein air painting skills, discover the techniques and approaches that resonate most with your personal aesthetic. Allow your individual voice and sensibilities to shine through, creating work that is truly authentic and meaningful.
By cultivating a mindful, present-oriented approach to plein air painting and leveraging the unique qualities of coloured pencils, artists can unlock a world of luminous, lyrical expression. Whether rendering a sun-dappled meadow, a glowing seascape, or the delicate petals of a flower, the possibilities for capturing the ephemeral beauty of the natural world are truly endless.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique