In our everyday life, our unique experience, our exposure to change and mistakes are what forge us into a more knowledgeable and, arguably, better person. As with anything, new painting experiences usually end with a less than desirable result. Failure is good, it makes you grow, experiment and improve your skills to conquer.
Anyone who has painted for any length of time has been told at some point, “There is nothing like painting from life," usually in the form of a still life or portraiture. Now take everything you've experienced or heard about painting from life and turn it up to 11—that is plein air painting.
Painting from life is great, as you see the true colors, the true values, the true shadows, the true light. In my opinion, it's needed to grow as a representational or impressionistic painter. However, it doesn't necessarily give you the full experience. The experience of changing light, moving shadows, undulating water, shifting winds, along with moving subjects and clouds. Not to mention other activities outside of what you are trying to focus on, like distractions provided by an off-leash dog or hovering bystanders.
What I love the most about plein air painting, though, is how it can all change. In any moment of time, the sky, the grasses, or the water may seem lifeless, but wait 10 minutes and everything transforms. The sky builds an amazing array of clouds, the grasses are gleaming with a wash of warm light and the water now sparkles. This also applies in reverse; if you see something that is amazing, get it in before it disappears.
With plein air you are not just painting a landscape, you are painting the multitude of changes, curating your visual experience over the duration of the session. Nothing a single photo can ever convey.
Lights First: Painting Late Afternoon Dappled Light
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2021 - January 2022-Ausgabe von International Artist.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2021 - January 2022-Ausgabe von International Artist.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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A Sense of Depth
A solid grasp of foreground, mid and background makes Colley Whisson's scenes come to life
Peaceful Places
Sara Linda Poly creates a sense of atmosphere and depth in her soft, ethereal landscapes
School's in Session
A look at some of the many in-person and online art classes and workshops available today
Collaborative Environment
In this special edition of Beyond the Palette, we asked Scottsdale Artists' School executive director Trudy Hays a few of our own questions-about the benefits of art school, community and more
Flying COLORS
Artist David Barclay discusses how to pack painting gear for air travel-managing bulk, weight restrictions and more
Keep It REAL
The Art Renewal Center bolsters the support and reverence of traditional representational art
BUILDING AN ART CAREER ONLINE PART I
In this two-part series, James Gurney presents options for artists who want to improve their internet business strategies
EDWARD FRAUGHTON
Sculpting the Spirit of the American West
Preserving the Soul of Art
Throughout human history, people have used art to express themselves, record their daily activities, capture moments and share their emotions.
Intrigue in the ordinary
I've \"'ve never had any formal training always had a strong attraction to the arts and the practice of painting