Painting outdoors, or plein air painting, is a captivating and challenging art form that allows artists to capture the fleeting moments and ever-changing natural light of the world around them. We learned this the hard way… This technique takes on an added layer of complexity when the subject is a beloved pet, whose movements and expressions can be particularly difficult to pin down on canvas. However, with the right approach and a keen eye, plein air pet portraits can result in breathtaking works of art that immortalize the special connection between an animal and its owner.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Modern Painting Techniques
Plein air painting, a French term meaning “open (in) air”, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent decades as more artists seek to embrace the unique challenges and rewards of painting directly from life. Unlike working in the controlled environment of a studio, plein air painters might want to contend with fickle natural lighting, ever-shifting weather conditions, and the lively movements of their animal subjects. This “dance” between the artist, their materials, and the environment results in a fresh, energetic quality that can be difficult to achieve through traditional studio work.
Advances in portable, lightweight painting supplies have made plein air painting more accessible than ever before. Compact, easy-to-carry easels, fast-drying acrylics, and wet panel carriers allow artists to venture out into the field and capture their subjects on the spot. This immediate, immersive style of painting lends itself particularly well to pet portraiture, where the goal is to freeze the essence and personality of the animal in a fleeting moment.
Capturing Pets in the Moment
Painting pets en plein air requires a combination of technical skill, keen observational powers, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Unlike human subjects, who can be coached to hold a pose, pets are constantly in motion – darting, sniffing, playing, and shifting positions. The artist might want to be prepared to work quickly, anticipating the animal’s movements and reacting in the moment to capture a particular expression or stance.
Achieving a successful plein air pet portrait often comes down to the artist’s ability to really “see” their subject. This means focusing on the essential shapes, values, and colors that define the pet, rather than getting bogged down in overly-detailed rendering. Loose, expressive brushwork and a willingness to let the paint do the talking can result in vibrant, energetic paintings that convey the true spirit of the animal.
Creative Process
When it comes to painting pets en plein air, a thoughtful, intentional creative process is key. Artists might want to not only be technically skilled, but also deeply in tune with their subject and adaptable to the changing outdoor environment.
Creative Inspiration
Finding inspiration to paint pets outdoors can come from a variety of sources. Some artists are motivated by a deep love and appreciation for animals, and seek to capture the unique personalities and behaviors of their canine or feline companions. Others may be drawn to the challenge of rendering the natural world, with pets serving as dynamic, living elements within the landscape.
Regardless of the initial spark, successful plein air pet portraitists often immerse themselves in the world of their subject, observing animals in their natural habitats and studying their movements and expressions. This hands-on research informs the creative process, allowing the artist to approach their work with a nuanced understanding of their subject.
Artistic Design Principles
Strong plein air pet paintings are built upon a foundation of sound artistic design principles. Careful consideration of elements like composition, color, and value can elevate a simple outdoor sketch into a work of dynamic, captivating art.
For example, positioning the pet within an intentional, balanced composition can draw the viewer’s eye directly to the subject. Utilizing complementary colors or a cohesive color harmony can imbue the painting with a sense of vibrancy and energy. And paying close attention to the relative lights and darks, or values, of the scene can help create a sense of depth and form.
By applying these fundamental artistic concepts, plein air pet portraitists can transform the chaos of the outdoor environment into a harmonious, visually compelling work of art.
Developing a Painting Series
Many accomplished plein air artists find inspiration in creating a cohesive series of works, each exploring a particular pet or setting in depth. This allows the artist to build upon their technical skills and creative vision, refining their approach over multiple paintings.
For example, an artist may decide to focus on capturing the playful energy of their favorite local dog park, painting the same canine subjects in different poses and lighting conditions. Or they may embark on a multi-part series documenting the daily life of a beloved family cat through a sequence of outdoor studies.
By pursuing this type of thematic series, artists can not only strengthen their abilities as plein air painters, but also develop a distinctive, recognizable style that resonates with collectors and art enthusiasts.
Drawing and Sketching
While the final plein air painting may be the primary goal, the drawing and sketching stages are crucial components of the creative process. These preliminary studies allow artists to explore compositions, capture quick gestures, and experiment with various media before committing to a larger work.
Pencil Drawing Tutorials
Pencil sketching is a fundamental skill for any plein air painter, providing a versatile, portable tool for quickly capturing the essence of a subject. Artists may employ a variety of pencil drawing techniques, from loose, gestural lines to more refined, detailed renderings, depending on their desired aesthetic.
One particularly effective approach for pet portraiture is to focus on the animal’s key features – the shape of the head, the angle of the ears, the curve of the back – using simple, expressive lines. This allows the artist to quickly record the pet’s likeness without getting bogged down in superfluous details.
Capturing Movement and Emotion
Rendering the dynamic movements and emotional expressions of pets can be a challenging but rewarding aspect of plein air drawing. Artists might want to develop a keen eye for observation, anticipating their subject’s next move and translating that energy onto the page.
Techniques like rapid, scribbly mark-making or the strategic use of negative space can help convey a sense of motion, while exaggerated facial features or body language can heighten the emotional resonance of the sketch. Regularly practicing these skills through quick studies and gesture drawings will help the artist become more attuned to the unique rhythms and nuances of their animal subjects.
Sketching from Life
When working en plein air, the ability to capture quick, on-the-spot sketches is invaluable. These spontaneous drawings not only serve as visual references for future paintings, but also allow the artist to develop a deeper understanding of their subject through direct observation.
Sketching pets from life requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment. Artists may need to quickly adjust their perspective, materials, or approach to keep up with a restless, playful animal. However, the insights gained from these intimate studies can breathe life and authenticity into larger, more polished works.
Painting Tutorials
Translating the dynamic energy and fleeting expressions of pets into a cohesive, visually compelling plein air painting requires a mastery of various painting techniques and materials.
Painting Pets Outdoors
Painting pets in their natural outdoor environments presents a unique set of challenges compared to the controlled setting of a studio. Artists might want to be prepared to work quickly, adapting to changing light conditions, sudden movements, and distractions that may affect their animal subjects.
One effective approach is to start with a loose, gestural underpainting, using bold, expressive brushstrokes to capture the overall essence of the pet and its surroundings. From there, the artist can gradually refine the details, layering and blending colors to achieve the desired level of realism or abstraction.
Careful observation of the pet’s anatomy, coloration, and behavioral quirks is crucial, as is a willingness to make on-the-spot adjustments to the painting in response to the subject’s changing pose or position.
Mastering Color and Light
Outdoor lighting presents a unique challenge for plein air painters, with constantly shifting hues, values, and intensities that can be difficult to accurately capture on canvas. However, a strong understanding of color theory and the principles of natural light can help artists navigate these obstacles.
Paying close attention to the way light interacts with the pet’s fur, skin, and environment can inform the artist’s color choices, helping them to create a sense of depth, atmosphere, and even mood. Experimenting with complementary color schemes, chiaroscuro lighting effects, and subtle gradations can enhance the vibrancy and realism of the final painting.
Layering and Blending Techniques
The spontaneous, fast-paced nature of plein air painting often lends itself to a more gestural, expressive application of paint. However, strategic use of layering and blending techniques can help artists achieve a cohesive, polished final work.
For example, artists may start with a loose underpainting, gradually building up layers of color and texture to refine the details of the pet’s features and surroundings. Skillful blending of adjacent hues can help create a sense of seamless transitions, while leaving certain areas more roughly rendered can emphasize the dynamic, energetic quality of the scene.
Experimenting with a variety of brushstrokes, palette knife techniques, and even finger painting can also help infuse the painting with a lively, tactile quality that reflects the artist’s direct engagement with the subject.
Artistic Mediums
While oil paints have long been the traditional medium of choice for plein air painters, the rise of portable, fast-drying acrylics and the versatility of mixed media approaches have expanded the artistic possibilities for capturing pets in the great outdoors.
Acrylic Painting
Acrylic paints offer a number of advantages for plein air pet portraiture, including quick drying times, a wide range of vibrant hues, and the ability to achieve both opaque and transparent effects. Their water-soluble nature also makes them a convenient choice for artists working in variable outdoor conditions.
When painting pets en plein air with acrylics, artists may employ techniques like wet-on-wet blending, dry-brushing, and glazing to achieve a desired level of realism or expressiveness. The fast-drying properties of acrylics also allow for the development of detailed, multi-layered compositions in a single painting session.
Watercolor Painting
The spontaneous, fluid nature of watercolor paints can lend a sense of freshness and immediacy to plein air pet paintings. Artists can leverage the medium’s inherent unpredictability to capture the essence of their furry subjects, embracing happy accidents and allowing the paint to flow freely across the surface.
Techniques like wet-on-wet washes, strategic use of negative space, and the incorporation of mixed media elements (such as ink, pastel, or gouache) can help watercolor artists achieve a balance of realism and abstraction when rendering pets outdoors.
Mixed Media Approaches
The dynamic, ever-changing environment of plein air painting lends itself particularly well to a mixed media approach, where artists combine a variety of materials and techniques to achieve their desired aesthetic.
For example, an artist may start with a pencil or charcoal sketch as a foundation, then layer acrylic washes, pastels, and collage elements to build up a richly textured, multi-dimensional pet portrait. Or they may juxtapose the fluidity of watercolor with the precision of pen-and-ink drawing to capture the complementary qualities of their animal subject.
By embracing a mixed media approach, plein air painters can tap into a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing them to experiment, problem-solve, and ultimately, produce unique and captivating works of art.
Composition and Design
Strong compositional choices are essential for creating visually compelling plein air pet paintings that draw the viewer’s eye and convey the essence of the subject.
Balancing Elements
Achieving a balanced, harmonious composition when painting pets outdoors requires careful consideration of the various elements within the scene. Artists might want to thoughtfully arrange the placement of the pet, its surroundings, and any additional design features to create a cohesive, visually striking image.
Techniques like the rule of thirds, strategic use of negative space, and intentional framing can help artists establish a sense of visual balance and rhythm. Experimenting with different perspectives, cropping, and positioning of the pet within the composition can also enhance the overall impact of the painting.
Framing the Subject
When painting pets en plein air, the way in which the artist frames their subject can have a significant impact on the final work. Tight, close-up compositions that focus primarily on the pet can create an intimate, immediate connection with the viewer, while wider, more expansive scenes that incorporate the animal’s environment can provide a sense of context and setting.
Thoughtful use of the picture plane, including the strategic placement of the horizon line, can also help direct the viewer’s eye and establish a sense of depth and scale within the painting.
Creating Depth and Perspective
Translating the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional canvas is a constant challenge for plein air painters, particularly when the subject is a lively, moving pet. However, a firm grasp of artistic principles like linear perspective, atmospheric perspective, and the effective use of overlapping forms can help artists create a convincing sense of depth and spatial relationships.
Carefully observing the relative size, placement, and value relationships of the pet, its surroundings, and any additional elements can inform the artist’s compositional choices and help them achieve a cohesive, visually compelling final work.
Photography and Reference
While plein air painting requires direct observation and interaction with the subject, the use of photographic references can be a valuable tool for artists, particularly when capturing the spontaneous movements and expressions of pets.
Using Photo References
Photographs can serve as useful secondary references for plein air painters, providing visual information and details that may be difficult to record accurately in the field. However, it’s important to strike a balance between using photographic sources and maintaining the energy and immediacy of direct observation.
When working from photos, artists should strive to interpret the reference material rather than simply copying it. Thoughtful editing, cropping, and abstraction of the photographic elements can help the painter infuse their own creative vision and style into the final work.
Capturing Candid Moments
The ability to quickly and discreetly capture candid photographic references of pets in their natural environments can be a valuable asset for plein air painters. These spontaneous, unposed images can provide a wealth of visual information about an animal’s unique mannerisms, expressions, and interactions with their surroundings.
Artists may employ techniques like rapid shutter speeds, strategic framing, and high-contrast lighting to isolate the pet’s most compelling features and gestures. Regularly practicing these photographic skills can help the painter develop a more nuanced understanding of their subjects, ultimately informing the quality and authenticity of their plein air paintings.
Lighting Considerations
The quality and direction of natural light can have a profound impact on the overall mood, atmosphere, and technical execution of a plein air pet portrait. Artists might want to be mindful of how shifting sunlight, cloud cover, and environmental factors can influence the color, value, and shadow patterns within a scene.
Studying the way light interacts with the pet’s fur, skin, and surroundings can inform the painter’s color palette, brushwork, and creative choices. Experimenting with different times of day, weather conditions, and vantage points can also help the artist discover unexpected, evocative lighting effects that elevate the final work.
Art Business and Marketing
As the demand for unique, personalized pet art continues to grow, plein air painters who specialize in capturing the likeness and spirit of beloved animal companions have the opportunity to build thriving art careers.
Building an Art Portfolio
Assembling a cohesive, visually striking portfolio is essential for any plein air artist seeking to attract commissions, gallery representation, or art collectors. When curating a portfolio of pet portraits, artists should aim to showcase a range of their technical skills, creative approaches, and thematic explorations.
This may include a mix of finished paintings, detailed sketches, and photographic studies that demonstrate the artist’s versatility and mastery of the medium. Organizing the work into a clear narrative or series can also help strengthen the portfolio’s overall impact and appeal to potential clients.
Promoting your Pet Paintings
Effective self-promotion is key for plein air artists looking to build a successful, sustainable art practice. In addition to maintaining a professional website and active social media presence, artists may consider participating in local art shows, pet-centric events, or online marketplaces to reach a targeted audience of pet owners and art enthusiasts.
Leveraging personal connections, community networks, and strategic partnerships can also help expand the reach and visibility of an artist’s pet portraiture work. Developing a cohesive brand identity, engaging artist statements, and compelling visual content can further enhance the appeal and memorability of their artistic offerings.
Pricing and Selling Artwork
Determining appropriate pricing for plein air pet paintings requires a careful balance of factors, including the artist’s technical expertise, the complexity of the work, the materials used, and the perceived value of the subject matter. Conducting market research, factoring in production costs, and confidently communicating the unique value proposition of their artwork can help artists establish fair, competitive pricing structures.
In addition to traditional gallery sales, plein air pet portrait artists may also explore alternative revenue streams, such as limited-edition prints, commissioned work, or even licensing their imagery for product development. By diversifying their income sources and thoughtfully managing their art business, these versatile painters can maximize the impact and financial viability of their creative endeavors.
By embracing the dynamic challenges of plein air painting and the deep personal connection between humans and their animal companions, artists can unlock a wellspring of creative inspiration and produce truly
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024