On the Perks of Plein Air Painting
10/28/2013 6:03:17 PM
"Saturday Morning", 12 x 16", oil on panel, $675
During a recent painting session in a hay field above Aurhon Lake in Barry County, Michigan I was reminded of the joy of painting en plein air. I drove to the spot and set up my easel off the back left fender of my car leaving the hatch back open. Apparently, that set-up afforded me a bit of unplanned camouflage. Not long after I started the painting above, a doe and her fawn decided to graze nearby in the field. They showed some caution by raising their heads and looking my way from time to time to see if there was movement. As I was standing relatively still while working and must have blended with the shape of the car and easel, they didn't feel threatened. They slowly worked their way quite close to me. I enjoyed their company for a full 45-60 minutes before they finally wandered off into higher grass where I could no longer see them. Nature in all it's glory is often a part of the painting experience we artists experience when we take to the larger outdoor studio.
I also find that working outside enhances my painting both technically and compositionally. Working consistently from life , I am rewarded with stronger compositions and an enhanced understanding of how light effects color. Ahhhhh....the joys of working outside. Cold weather is coming....my favorite season for plein air painting. More on that later!
