What is plein air?
What the heck is plein air painting you ask? Well plein air is a French term and it basically means in the open air. Its a method of painting, or drawing on site.
Many master artists of yesteryear did it to study. Since they didn't have photography they learned to recreate their landscapes and figures by studying them outside in their natural environment.
Plein air painting primarily is a study of light. Paintings are done quite quickly, two hours at the maximum, in order for the painter to capture the correct shades and tones and temperature of the shadows and how the rays of the sun fall upon the objects that they paint. It's tricky and often difficult to learn and master but its extremely rewarding. The knowledge gained from outside painting is applied to studio work as well.
Today plein air painting is popular and exciting. Artists from all over the world will gather in certain designated locations and camp, paint together, show their work and sell to tourists and art collectors.
If you're an artist looking to advance your knowledge let me suggest learning the art of plein air painting. Nothing helps you to see color better and more accurately than being in the elements and learning to paint light.
Daffodils
Daffodils painted while it's snowing.
I painted this with a palette knife, a technique I learned a few years ago which is called 'impasto'. I chose this techique this time because it gets the paint on nice and thick and quickly. My fingers were getting numb in no time and I was getting wet!
How do I get started?
Plein air Painters
Some of my work on CafePress
Lighthouse Note Cards (Pk of 10)
Whidbey Island
Price: 14.99
Vineyard Vista Postcards (Package of 8)
Vineyard on Bainbridge Island Plein air
Price: 10.99
Great Stuff on Amazon about Plein Air Painting
These books will definitely give you a head start!
Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 09/06/2008)
On Location - Plein Air Painting In Pastel
Amazon Price: $18.47 (as of 09/06/2008)
Land & Light Workshop - Capturing the Seasons in Oils (Land & Light Workshop)
Amazon Price: $19.13 (as of 09/06/2008)
The Art of Impressionism: Painting Technique and the Making of Modernity
Amazon Price: $57.60 (as of 09/06/2008)
Plein Air Painting in Watercolor & Oil
Amazon Price: (as of 09/06/2008)
New RSS: from Judson's Plein Air Outfitters
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