All Things Fine Art

If you haven’t painted in the snow, you’ve missed one of the best plein air experiences available to artists. If you dress right, cold weather painting can be a joy not found in any other season of the year.

Dressing smart is the key to cold weather painting.  We all know the wisdom of dressing in layers, but for artists who sit or stand in place for several hours at a time it is only part of the equation. When we are stationery, we do not generate heat in cold weather. Our clothing has to take up the slack and keep us warm.

For years, I’ve painted outdoors in all kinds of weather and rarely have been uncomfortable because of the cold. My secret is dressing year around for 20 degrees colder than the predicted temperature of the day. Yes, even in summer, standing still for 2 hours one can get chilled.

My winter dress includes light-weight long underwear and socks that wick moisture. A cotton or wool T-shirt top, and sweatshirt or tightly knitted sweater depending on the temperature. This outfit is topped with a down vest and/or winter coat that covers the fanny. To help keep my core warm, a body warmer patch attached to my long underwear just below the 5^th vertebrae does the trick, and hand warmers in pockets are good for when fingers get cold.

Accessories are important as well. I use the thin knitted one-size-fits-all gloves available in most grocery and drug stores and I keep my hands in my pockets with the warmers when not pushing a brush. My hat is a warm pull down around the ears kitted hat with a small visor for keep the sun out of my eyes. No fashion here…just warmth. Boots are an essential. Forget fashion. Go for hunter’s boots that go to 30 degrees below zero and use foot warmers inside. It also helps to have a piece of dense foam to stand on or a small throw rug. Both will help to keep the cold seeping into your feet from the frozen ground.

That may seem like a lot of bulky clothing but, today’s clothing for hunters and farmers is made for rugged use, is relatively light weight and very warm. Again, buy for warmth not fashion. Check out the boys and men’s departments. Often their clothing is made for extended outdoor use where women’s outer wear is based on fashion and cannot sustain cold weather exposure.

The most difficult weather to deal with is wind. It can creep into openings and chill even the best dressed artist. Frankly, I avoid cold days with high winds. In mild wind, wearing a rubberized or plastic raincoat over your clothing will help. Buy it one or two sizes larger than normal so if will fit over your additional clothing.

I hope to see you in the field this winter. It’s the best time of year to be a plein air artist.