9 Tips for Plain Air Painting

It is difficult to imagine most of the landscape and impressionist paintings without thinking that their authors were in front of the same places they portrayed, observing them carefully even for hours.

Outdoor painting was a relatively common practice and it was popularized by these artists. This technique, which is called “plen air” by the French, is still practiced by some of the today’s contemporary artists.

The plein air landscape painter Albert Serino shares that the idea of going outdoors to paint on the sunlight and on fresh air can sometimes be better than painting inside a studio with limited amount of light and the penetrating smell of pigments.

However, painting outdoors represents a great challenge. Also, Serino shares that it will attract the attention of more than one passerby. So, if you are interested, follow these tips that will make plain air painting much more easier.

Create a kit for outdoor painting

If necessary, make a list of all the tools and materials that you should take with you when you go out to paint. This is will help you to not forget anything.

Serino suggests having a kit that you will use it exclusively when you go to paint outside. So it will always be complete and you will only have to replace the things that run out.

Do not rush into the location

Wanting to paint from the first moment can be a bad practice. So, Serino recommends taking it easy and analyzing if what you have in front of you is really what you want to capture on your canvas.

Choose your easel

When it comes to plein air painting, less is more, particularly regarding to weight. However, consider that there are different types of easels for storing brushes and paints. The experienced plein air painter, Serino advises choosing carefully the size of the easel and also choosing those who are capable of transporting a fresh canvas.

Consider an artist table

These boxes are usually much smaller and have a small stand in the form of an easel. However, unlike others, it has no legs, so you must accommodate it on your legs or get a small table on which to recharge it.

You can improvise and experiment with other types of supports. There are tripoids that can hold larger boards on which you can place the canvas. Serino advises taking into consideration your budget and the places you will visit to decide which option is best for you.

Don’t forget a table

Or failing clip-on accessories that will help you hold the materials and tools that you no longer use while painting. By this you will avoid having to put them on the floor constantly. In case that there is too much sun, you can even place umbrellas or other objects that cover you from the sun.

Don’t forget a chair either

Particularly for those moments when your feet or back get tired, so you can continue painting, while resting from standing.

Water and snacks

No matter where you go, having water to hydrate and a snack to kill hunger is essential in your outings.

After following these tips from Albert Serino, you will be more than ready to start painting.