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Tips For Plein Air Painting

by Jennifer VonStein Apr 18, 2008 Last comment posted on Apr 23, 2008

Plein Air Painting Tips

Plein air painting first became popular in the 1880s with the Impressionists. The fact that paint was now available in tubes allowed these artists to work "in the open air" instead of their studios. This freedom helped the Impressionists capture the ever-changing light and shadows of their landscape and world. Today, modern plein air painters continue this passion for painting outdoors.

Plein air painting can be a wonderful experience, especially if you prepare properly. If possible, scout out your location beforehand to find what inspires you. Remember, you are the artist, so you don't need to include every detail in a particular scene - you are allowed to edit and enhance. Along with your Interactive paints, mediums and water sprayer, consider taking a few different surfaces or canvases. That way, when the light and shadows change, you'll be able to paint the new scene before your eyes. Always remember to take your "dirty water" with you for proper disposal, and bring a trash bag for dirty paper towels and other waste. Other handy non-paint items are a portable easel and stool, a snack, plenty of water to drink and sunscreen and/or a hat!

Because you have the ability to control Interactive's drying process with the water sprayer, you can work wet-in-wet if desired, even outdoors. The Liquid Slow Medium and the Thick Slow Medium will extend Interactive's open time, which can be helpful in this type of situation. Since the environment affects Interactive's drying and curing time, you might find that you need to use the Unlocking Formula instead of water to reopen paint layers. This is especially true if you are painting in a warm and sunny place! You can also use the Unlocking Formula the next day to reopen paint layers if you choose to "finish" your painting in the studio at a later time.

There are (2) Comments so far, why not join the discussion?
  1. comment_1_5533 Ian Bruce Northport, Maine, United States of America. 20 Apr 2008

    Here in Maine in early Spring the water sprayer is not necessary for misting the painting--and Slow Medium and Unlocking Formula are a no-no. The trick is to get the painting started as the temperature rises above freezing and finish it before the temperature drops down to freezing again! Sometimes I don't make it. Last week I used a coat of binder medium to 'lock' the surface enough to layer over it. I couldn't afford to wait for the near freezing paint to set up. When you lift a brush from the water container and there is a little collar of ice around the handle--it is time to stop.

    Ian Bruce        
  2. comment_2_5533 Jennifer Lititz, PA, United States of America. 23 Apr 2008

    Hi

    John sent this message in through the suggest a topic or ask a question form and asked me to put it up here as a comment.


    Just wanted to let you know that I've published an eBook with a great plug for Interactive acrylics on pages 11-12 of Chapter 4. (By the way, I'm one of the artists in your gallery and I've been featured in the
    newsletter.) It also has a section on plein air painting. Here's the link to my new, free mini-eBook, Painting for the Rest of Us -- it's on the web at

    http://www.kirkleycommunications.com/painting/painting.html

    What's it about? As I say in the Preface:

    "If you plan to take the New York art world by storm or make a living as a professional artist, this book is not for you. But if you just want to paint and have fun, then read on.

    It doesn't matter if you've never painted before. Or if you only paint once and a while. Of, if like me, you're a dedicated hobbyist who paints all the time. If you're interested in painting strictly for enjoyment, then this book is for you."

    I hope you enjoy reading some or all of the book and looking at the artwork.

    Also, I would be very grateful if you could pass the link on to anyonewhom you think might be interested in reading PFTROU (to coin an acronym).

    Thanks very much and enjoy.

    John

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