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"A painter who begins and finishes indoors, that which is outdoors, misses a hundred little facts…a hundred little accidental effects of sunshine and shadow that can be reproduced only in the immediate presence of Nature."
~Winslow Homer
Plein Air painting is painting on location, from life and it is one of the best things you can do to improve your paintings. Spending time enjoying and soaking up the sights, smells, sounds of your subject matter is exciting! The plein air experience is never dull. It is my goal to put together some resources to get you started painting plein air or if you are already experienced, to enrich your knowledge. There is much information available on plein air painting in general so I'd like to focus on what I know best....plein air with pastels. So join me as I navigate the world of Plein Air with Pastels.
Karen
Getting Started
Some general information on Plein Air Painting
- Plein Air Painting
- This lens is a great resource for anything 'plein air'.
- Georgia Outdoor Painters
- Georgia Outdoor Painters
Artists who love the outdoors and paint en
plein air sharing with one another in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
Stay tuned for memorable moments from our plein
air adventures!
What a Way to Spend the Day! - Movie demo
-
Daily Painter
Marsha Savage demonstrated for almost 2 hours in my pastel class on January 23rd. She was demonstrating how to paint a field and stream on Wallis sanded paper. First she started with an under painting using alcohol and soft pastels to t
Putting Together the Best Plein Air Set-up
Artists love to buy art supplies! especially pastel artists! There is something addictive about all those colors. If you try to lug all those supplies out on location, you may just decide that plein air isn't for you. The goal is to pare down your supplies and put together a plein air set up that is light but complete and easy to grab and go on a moment's notice.
My friend Jayne and I have been through many boxes, bags and easels and we have come up with a system that works for us...for now. (until we discover some other 'must have' supply!) Of course everyone's working style is different but I will share the equipment that works well for us. Here are the essentials:
(see links in next section)
1. Easel.
2. Support (a piece of foam core)
3. Paper
4. Pastels/box for pastels
5. Kit of misc. supplies:tape, pencil small sketch pad, brush for mistakes)
6. Kit of comfort items: sunscreen, bug repellent, water,snack, baby wipes for clean up
7. camera, cell phone, ipod
8. a backpack or some way to carry all of your gear.
My friend Jayne and I have been through many boxes, bags and easels and we have come up with a system that works for us...for now. (until we discover some other 'must have' supply!) Of course everyone's working style is different but I will share the equipment that works well for us. Here are the essentials:
(see links in next section)
1. Easel.
2. Support (a piece of foam core)
3. Paper
4. Pastels/box for pastels
5. Kit of misc. supplies:tape, pencil small sketch pad, brush for mistakes)
6. Kit of comfort items: sunscreen, bug repellent, water,snack, baby wipes for clean up
7. camera, cell phone, ipod
8. a backpack or some way to carry all of your gear.
Easels for Plein Air with Pastels
Here are links to the various easels that I have experience with.
- Winsor & Newton Aluminum Bristol Easel - Blick Art Materials
- This is the easel I use most often on plein air outings. It is light, compact and sturdy. Dick Blick's is one of the online art supply stores that I use and recommend.
- Jullian Original French Easel - Blick Art Materials
- I have the half box french easel and I love it. I only use it for plein air if I know I won't be setting up too far from where I park. It's not that it's too heavy, but the Bristol easel is much lighter and compact to carry.
- Anderson Swivel Easel
- I have several artist friends who have this easel and are very happy with it. It's light, compact and sturdy and it has a tray so you can set your pastel box on it so they are within easy reach. This link is from Dakota Pastels, another online store I recommend.
- Anderson Swivel Easel Review - WetCanvas!
- Deborah Christensen Secor reviews the Anderson Swivel Easel. A very thorough review with pictures!
Pastel Boxes I Recommend
You want a box that is sturdy yet light and that will protect your pastels.
- The Heilman Pastel Box
- I've tried many boxes but this is the best. It isn't cheap but it does the job! What I like about it is the ability to arrange your pastels by value which has really helped my painting. I use the 'Backpack' size which does fit perfectly in my backpack. Albert Handell recommeded this box at his workshop and so I bit the bullet and bought one. Several others in my pastel class also bought one and we are very pleased.
How to Make a Cigar Box Pochade
When you really want to pare down your supplies
- Cigar Box Pastel Pochade by Cori Nicholls
- If you really want to take the minimum supplies with you then try this cigar box pochade. Here is an excellent article with photos on how you can make your own small box.I've made one and find it great to take with you on quick trips when you don't want to bring all your gear along.
What do you recommend?
Do you have a favorite plein air artist, website or book relating to plein air painting? I'd love to hear about it. Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com or click on the contact button on the right.
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen
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