Plein air drawing – the practice of creating artwork outdoors, directly from observation – has a long and storied tradition, from the Impressionist painters of the 19th century to the contemporary landscape artists of today. In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in this immersive approach to capturing the natural world, as artists seek to push the boundaries of what is possible with pencil, ink, and mixed media in an outdoor setting.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cutting-edge techniques and creative processes that are redefining the landscape genre. From innovative sketching methods to experimental mark-making, we’ll delve into the tools and approaches that are allowing today’s artists to reimagine the natural world in bold, visually striking ways.
Art Styles and Techniques
Traditional Plein Air Painting
The roots of plein air drawing can be traced back to the Impressionist movement, where artists like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro revolutionized landscape painting by taking their easels and canvases out of the studio and into the open air. Captivated by the ever-changing effects of natural light and atmosphere, these pioneers of plein air painting developed techniques that emphasized loose, expressive brushwork and a vibrant, color-saturated palette.
While the Impressionists’ approach to painting the landscape en plein air has undoubtedly influenced contemporary artists, many modern practitioners are now exploring alternative media and methods that push the boundaries of what is possible outdoors.
Modern Painting Techniques
One such artist is Tyacovelli, whose dynamic gouache paintings capture the essence of the natural world through a unique blend of realism and abstraction. By applying the gouache pigment in bold, textural strokes, Tyacovelli is able to convey the tangible materiality of the landscape while also imbuing his compositions with a sense of energy and movement.
“I’m fascinated by the interplay between the representational and the expressive,” Tyacovelli explains. “When I’m out in the field, sketching and observing, I’m constantly aware of the way the light and atmosphere are constantly in flux. My goal is to translate that sense of flux and dynamism into the physicality of the paint itself.”
Digital Art and Illustration
Alongside these innovative approaches to plein air painting, we’re also seeing a growing number of artists who are incorporating digital tools and techniques into their outdoor drawing practice. Instagram artist Shimova, for example, uses a combination of pencil sketches and digital painting to create visually striking interpretations of the natural landscape.
“Working digitally gives me a level of control and precision that would be difficult to achieve with traditional media alone,” Shimova explains. “But I always start with an on-site pencil sketch, capturing the shapes, textures, and overall composition of the scene. I then use digital painting to expand on those initial observations, adding depth, color, and a sense of atmosphere that brings the landscape to life.”
By blending the tactile qualities of pencil drawing with the limitless possibilities of digital art, artists like Shimova are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in plein air practice, creating images that are both grounded in observed reality and imbued with a sense of imaginative, expressive flair.
Creative Process and Inspiration
Exploring the Landscape
At the heart of contemporary plein air drawing is a deep fascination with the natural world and a desire to immerse oneself within it. Whether it’s the sprawling vistas of the American West or the intimate details of a hidden woodland glade, today’s artists are driven by a compulsion to explore, observe, and capture the essence of the landscape.
“When I’m out in the field, I’m not just looking for the perfect composition or the most visually striking scene,” says artist Andrew Higdon. “I’m trying to connect with the spirit of the place, to understand the rhythms and textures that make it unique. It’s a kind of deep, almost meditative engagement with the environment.”
Capturing Observations
This sense of embodied, sensory-rich engagement is reflected in the way contemporary plein air artists approach the act of drawing and painting. Rather than simply transcribing the visual details of a scene, they strive to capture the tactile, kinetic qualities of the landscape – the feel of the wind, the play of light and shadow, the shifting patterns of color and texture.
“I’m not interested in creating a purely photographic representation of the landscape,” Higdon explains. “My goal is to distill the essence of the scene – to find the core shapes, gestures, and rhythms that speak to me on a deeper level. That often means making bold, expressive marks that go beyond literal rendering.”
Sources of Inspiration
In addition to their direct observations of the natural world, many contemporary plein air artists also draw inspiration from a diverse range of artistic and cultural influences. From the bold, graphic sensibilities of comic book illustration to the dynamic energy of jazz music, these multifaceted creative touchstones are shaping the way today’s landscape artists approach their craft.
“I’m constantly inspired by the intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms,” says Higdon. “Whether it’s the moody, atmospheric paintings of the Taos School or the kinetic, abstract expressionism of midcentury American art, I’m always looking for ways to synthesize my own unique visual vocabulary from these diverse sources of inspiration.”
Drawing and Sketching Methods
Pencil Drawing Tutorials
One of the most fundamental and enduring techniques in plein air drawing is the humble pencil. By harnessing the versatility of this timeless medium, artists are able to capture the essence of a landscape with a level of immediacy and expressiveness that can be difficult to achieve with other tools.
“When I’m sketching outdoors, I’m not just trying to render the scene as accurately as possible,” says Higdon. “I’m looking for ways to convey the energy, the mood, the overall spirit of the place through my marks. That might mean using bold, gestural lines to capture a sense of movement, or playing with contrasting values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.”
To achieve this level of expressive drawing, Higdon often employs a range of pencil sketching techniques, from the use of broad, sweeping strokes to intricate hatching and cross-hatching patterns. By varying the pressure, angle, and direction of his pencil marks, he is able to create a sense of texture and materiality that adds depth and richness to his compositions.
Ink and Wash Techniques
Alongside pencil drawing, many contemporary plein air artists are also exploring the use of ink and watercolor washes to capture the essence of the landscape. By applying layers of translucent color and allowing them to bleed and intermingle, these artists are able to evoke a sense of atmosphere and emotion that can be difficult to achieve with other media.
“There’s something incredibly freeing about working with ink and watercolor outdoors,” says Tyacovelli. “The way the pigments interact with the paper, the unpredictable nature of the washes – it all contributes to a sense of spontaneity and energy that I find endlessly inspiring.”
To harness the expressive potential of this medium, Tyacovelli often begins his plein air sketches with a series of loose, gestural ink washes, using the natural movement of the paint to suggest the forms and textures of the landscape. He then builds upon these initial layers with additional washes and pencil or pastel drawing, creating a rich, multi-layered composition that captures the essence of the scene.
Experimental Mark-Making
In addition to these more traditional drawing and painting techniques, many contemporary plein air artists are also exploring experimental approaches to mark-making that push the boundaries of what is possible in an outdoor setting. This might involve the use of alternative drawing tools, such as palette knives or found objects, or the incorporation of collage and other mixed media elements.
“When I’m out in the field, I’m constantly looking for new ways to engage with the landscape,” says Shimova. “That might mean using a stick to drag thick, textural lines through the dirt, or incorporating found natural materials like leaves or twigs into my compositions. The goal is to create a sense of tactility and materiality that goes beyond the constraints of traditional drawing and painting.”
By embracing a spirit of experimentation and play, these artists are able to imbue their plein air work with a sense of raw, expressive energy that speaks to the visceral, embodied experience of being in the natural world.
Artistic Design Principles
Composition and Perspective
While the spontaneity and immediacy of the plein air drawing process is a key part of its appeal, contemporary artists are also keenly aware of the importance of strong artistic design principles to the success of their work. This includes a deep understanding of composition, perspective, and the interplay of positive and negative space.
“When I’m out in the field, I’m constantly thinking about the way the different elements of the landscape are interacting with each other,” says Higdon. “How can I use the placement and scale of the forms to create a sense of depth, or to draw the viewer’s eye through the composition in a particular way?”
By skillfully manipulating the visual elements of a scene, these artists are able to craft compositions that not only capture the essence of the landscape, but also convey a sense of emotional resonance and narrative.
Color Theory and Harmony
Closely tied to the question of composition is the role of color in contemporary plein air drawing. Whether working with pencils, ink, or mixed media, today’s artists are demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of color theory and the principles of harmonic color relationships.
“Color is such a crucial part of my plein air practice,” says Tyacovelli. “I’m constantly observing the way the hues and tones in the landscape interact with each other, and then finding ways to translate that into my own palette. It’s a constant process of experimentation and refinement.”
This commitment to color harmony is evident in the work of many contemporary plein air artists, who are able to create compositions that are not only visually striking, but also imbued with a sense of emotional resonance and atmospheric depth.
Texture and Materiality
Beyond the purely formal elements of composition and color, today’s plein air artists are also increasingly focused on the tactile, material qualities of their work. By embracing the inherent textures and mark-making possibilities of their chosen media, they are able to imbue their drawings and paintings with a sense of physicality and presence that enhances the viewer’s engagement with the work.
“When I’m out sketching, I’m always attuned to the way the different surfaces and textures in the landscape are interacting with the light,” says Shimova. “Whether it’s the rough, weathered bark of a tree or the smooth, undulating curves of a rock formation, I’m constantly looking for ways to translate those materialities into my own mark-making.”
This focus on texture and materiality is evident in the work of many contemporary plein air artists, who are using a wide range of techniques – from thick, impasto brushwork to delicate, feathered pencil strokes – to create compositions that feel both visually compelling and physically immediate.
Plein Air Drawing Workflow
Site Selection and Preparation
One of the key challenges of contemporary plein air drawing is the process of selecting and preparing a suitable outdoor location. Artists might want to not only consider the visual appeal and compositional potential of a particular landscape, but also practical factors such as accessibility, weather conditions, and the availability of suitable drawing surfaces and materials.
“When I’m scouting for a plein air drawing site, I’m looking for a spot that not only offers visually compelling subject matter, but also a sense of comfort and ease,” says Higdon. “I want to be able to immerse myself in the landscape without having to worry about the practical challenges of working outdoors.”
This preparation often involves the careful selection and organization of drawing supplies, from sketchbooks and pencils to portable easels and weather-resistant media. By anticipating and addressing these logistical concerns ahead of time, artists are able to focus more fully on the creative process of capturing the essence of the landscape.
Observational Sketching
At the heart of the contemporary plein air drawing process is the act of direct observation and the creation of quick, expressive sketches that capture the essence of the scene. This might involve a series of gestural drawings that convey the overall movement and energy of the landscape, or more detailed studies that delve into the specific forms, textures, and compositional elements.
“When I’m out in the field, I’m not just trying to render what I see in front of me,” says Tyacovelli. “I’m trying to internalize the experience of being in that particular place, to distill the sensations and emotions that it evokes. My sketches are a way of translating that lived experience into a visual language.”
By honing their observational skills and developing a fluency with a range of drawing techniques, these artists are able to create on-site sketches that serve as the foundation for more fully realized works, whether in the studio or continued plein air sessions.
Refining the Composition
While the initial observational sketches may capture the spontaneity and immediacy of the plein air experience, many contemporary artists also engage in a process of refinement and composition back in the studio. This might involve revisiting the original drawings and using them as a springboard for further exploration, or developing new compositions based on a synthesis of multiple on-site studies.
“For me, the studio is a space for experimentation and play,” says Shimova. “It’s where I can take the raw material of my plein air sketches and really dig into the formal and conceptual aspects of the work. I might play with different framing, crop the composition, or even incorporate additional media and materials to push the piece in new directions.”
By striking a balance between the direct, embodied experience of plein air drawing and the more measured, considered approach of the studio, these artists are able to create works that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Outdoor Painting Essentials
Portable Art Supplies
One of the key practical considerations for contemporary plein air artists is the selection and organization of their drawing and painting supplies. Given the need to work in a variety of outdoor environments, these artists might want to carefully curate a kit of materials that are both portable and versatile, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions and creative needs.
“When I’m packing for a plein air session, I’m always thinking about what I can carry comfortably while still having everything I need,” says Higdon. “That might mean choosing a compact sketchbook over a large drawing pad, or opting for a lightweight, collapsible easel instead of a traditional floor-standing model.”
In addition to the core drawing and painting supplies, many plein air artists also incorporate a range of supplementary items, such as weatherproof pouches, clip-on shade structures, and portable seating. By anticipating and addressing the practical challenges of working outdoors, these artists are able to focus more fully on the creative process.
Weathering the Elements
Beyond the logistical challenges of managing their art supplies, contemporary plein air artists might want to also contend with the ever-changing and often unpredictable conditions of the natural environment. From shifting weather patterns to fluctuating light and atmospheric conditions, these artists might want to be adept at adapting their techniques and strategies to double-check that the success of their work.
“When you’re working outdoors, you have to be prepared for anything,” says Tyacovelli. “I always keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and I’m ready to pack up and move to a new location at a moment’s notice if the conditions start to deteriorate.”
To mitigate the impact of these environmental factors, many plein air artists employ a range of specialized techniques and materials, such as the use of weatherproof drawing surfaces, water-soluble media, and portable shade structures. By developing these practical strategies, they are able to maintain focus and creative momentum, even in the face of challenging outdoor conditions.
Adapting to the Environment
Ultimately, the success of contemporary plein air drawing is not just a matter of technical skill or material mastery, but also a deep understanding of the natural environment and the ability to respond to its ever-changing qualities. Whether it’s adjusting the color palette to accommodate shifting light conditions or modifying the drawing approach to capture the kinetic energy of a windswept landscape, these artists might want to be attuned to the nuances of their surroundings and willing to embrace the element of unpredictability inherent in the plein air experience.
“When I’m out in the field, I’m constantly in dialogue with the landscape,” says Shimova. “I’m observing, adapting, and improvising, using the environment as an active collaborator in the creative process. It’s a dance, really – one where I’m constantly learning and growing as an artist.”
By embracing this spirit of flexibility and responsiveness, contemporary plein air artists are able to create works that not only capture the visual beauty of the natural world, but also convey a profound sense of the lived experience of being in that landscape.
Sharing and Exhibiting Work
Documentation and Curation
As with any artistic practice, the final stage of the contemporary plein air drawing process often involves the careful documentation and curation of the artist’s work. This might include the creation of high-quality photographic or digital reproductions of the original drawings and paintings, as well as the thoughtful selection and arrangement of these pieces for exhibition or online presentation.
“When it comes to sharing my plein air work, I’m really focused on preserving the integrity and authenticity of the pieces,” says Higdon. “That means capturing the nuances of texture, color, and materiality in my documentation, and curating my exhibitions in a way that allows the viewer to fully engage with the work
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style