by Donald Landry

It seemed logical with our plein air painting sessions that I do an article to help our members prepare for a successful painting outing and rewards that come from painting on location. I hope you will join the rest of the SWS members on one of these paint out events.

Painting in Plein air doesn’t have to bee a bugging experience! Many famous painters painted on location trying to capture the countryside light in a painting or that freshness that only outside painting can bring. It brings greater depth and understanding by working directly with your subject. There is no reason not to paint outdoors if you plan ahead. You can come away with a very enriching and the exciting experience just by placing yourself in a new stimulating environment.

• Eat before you go out.
• Carry small sketchbook and/or small pad of watercolor paper, 9 x 12” is a good size.
• Bring only a few brushes, ½ inch flat brush, #8-12 round brush.
• Bring 1-2 pencils or pens.
• Bring a small supply of tissues, towels or bring a sponge.
• A small portable folding palette.
• Bring water to paint with and for you to drink. (Don’t get dehydrated).
• Bring a small container to hold water, film container, old butter dish or your spouse’s favorite Tupperware dish.
• Bring a hat, bug repellent, small trash bag and sunscreen.
• Small chair and/or easel.
• Digital Camera.
• Let other people and/or family member know where your going and when you will be back.
• Last but not least no chasing the squirrels.

Don’t waste time looking for the perfect spot. Find a place in the shade and sit down, by turning your head you can find one beautiful vista after another.

Put some thought into your design. Decide what to leave in and leave out, decide what your focal point is.

Take advantage of accidents. Play with the paint on the sheet, leave your options open and most of all have fun.

Step Back. When you’re about two-thirds done stand up and evaluate your painting. Are you satisfied with the shapes, hard / soft edges, do you have a mix of warm / cool colors, do you have enough darks, are the colors clean and exciting.

Excitement. Does your painting need a dash of surprise color or complementary color in the area of the focal point? You can put the same color in other areas but in smaller doses than your focal area.