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Plein air, a French word, literally translates as 'open air', and is defined as painting or drawing done outside, in the open air. A relatively recent practice, painting outdoors became an important dimension of the landscape work of the Impressionists. Although plein air painting should not be considered as synonymous with Impressionism or quick sketching, it became central to Impressionism.
The term is largely associated with the Impressionist artists of the late 1800s, a time when artists began to paint subject matter not normally seen: real people doing real, everyday things, and they came out of their studios into the open air to create their works. Impressionist artists were particularly interested in the influence of changing light outdoors on color. The popularity of plein air painting was aided by the development of easily portable painting equipment and materials, including paints sold in tubes.
Painting from life is a pursuit unlike any other painting technique. It challenges artists to concentrate completely on the information in front of them. Their senses absorb it all, from sight, to sound, from temperature to atmosphere, and then channel these feelings into their vision in paint on paper or canvas.
For me it's the best of two worlds, being outdoors in a beautiful area watching the wildlife whether its deer and elk or horses and cows they are great to observe.
Then it's setting up the paintbox, designing the scene, moving elements if necessary, mixing the color notes, then trying to paint as quickly as possible, planing first, painting second, letting the paint stay where the brush first touches the canvas.
I paint in bold fresh colors, I like to paint loose, with large brushes, and apply large spots of color. Although I paint loose, I work within a strong abstract design. I love patterns of light and subtle nuances of color. I am always experimenting, looking for new ways to express my perceptions of color and light.
It's the responsibility of the artist to decide on composition and design, to make selections of color, value and texture, to emphasize or intensify certain elements and suppress or eliminate others. Nature suggests ideas; the artist makes choices with each stroke of his brush.
I try not to fuss much over the painting... Let it stand as a honest statement...
If time allowes, turn around and paint another...
Then find a cafe and have a cup of coffee...
