When I think of plein air painting, I think of the impressionists and my absolute favorite artist in the whole wide world, Claude Monet.
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Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge, Claude Monet
Artists Sketching in the White Mountains, Winslow Homer
Challenges of plein air painting
Since plein air paintings are done outdoors, there are a couple of challenges involved too. You need to be prepared for the weather, for bugs or leaves falling into your paints, onlookers stopping to watch while you paint, and the biggest – the type of paint you will use. Acrylics are a no-go because they will dry and harden up very quickly. {While Golden does have a range of Open acrylics that are designed for plein air painting, these are not available in India.} Traditionally, plein air painting {which predates the invention of acrylics} was done in oil paints; you can also use watercolours.
Plein air painting in art journals
I’m not a landscape painter, so my idea of plein air painting is to simply head outdoors and play in my art journal. It’s been a fun, learning experience.
The art supplies I carry with me are stripped down to the very basics. Not being able to use my favourite acrylics meant that I had to break out of that comfort zone and embrace different materials. As I became more confident with those, I started mixing supplies and materials when I returned to the studio, resulting in some really interesting looks that I wouldn’t have even thought of trying.
My travel art journal supplies
I used these travel art supplies plus a bit of gesso to create my oracle card deck!
Wondering what’s in my travel art journal case? Here ya go!
Inktense pencils
Colorsoft pencils
Water brush
Sketch and wash charcoal pencil
Mechanical pencil and eraser
Permanent black pen
White gel pen
Doesn’t get more minimalistic than that!
Put this lesson to work: Take a trip to the nearest park with an art journal and a few supplies and have some fun creating art!
I love Monet because it’s so soothing to see. He’s among the few painters I truly admire and appreciate for the relatable factor. As for that tip to go to the nearest park, I should try that some time. I’ve been so scared of colours and paints for the longest time that I must do something about it.
That’s one of the reasons why he’s one of my favorite painters! When I was younger, I used to wish I could live in a Monet painting! And yes, you must try going to the park and painting something. There’s nothing scary about colors and paints!!
Picture it, wouldn’t it be amazing to go up a hill with your art supplies, and starting journaling once you reach the peak! <3 Wish I had that talent.
Ah, it so would! <3
Was reminded of those days when I used to paint. The smell of oil colours, fresh easel and free brush strokes!
Here’s hoping you can relive those days soon! 🙂
how cute is that, your card deck looks lovely jini.
Thank you so much, Tina!
I truly admire the way where you give out lessons for each stroke…Brilliantly put 🙂 The thought of painting outside is indeed beautiful as one gets involved with nature and brings out the actual colours
Launching SIM Organics This April
*Menaka Bharathi *
*SimpleIndianMom*
Thanks Menaka. Yes, if you paint realistically, painting outside in nature is invaluable practice with light and shadow.
Hmm didn’t know this term. Learn so many new things everytime I come here. Monet and Van Gogh are my eternal favorites. I have always dreamt of painting in the outdoors with an easel propped by a gurgling stream beside a little copse! Your outdoor supplies seem perfect to me!
Ooh Kala! That’s such a romantic dream. Hope it comes true soon! You, a gurgling stream, and painting!
Never knew about Plein Air Painting! It would be so interesting to capture the beauty of nature that’s right in front of you!
It would! And so many ideas it could spark too!
I never knew that there was a specific term for this but it sounds like a wonderful experience- going outdoors to paint.
Yup, there is. Most of the impressionists and a lot of landscape artists did/do plein air paintings.