 Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, where artists directly observe the landscape. Artists bring their materials to the site and work on location to capture natural light, color, and atmosphere. This method requires quick decision-making due to the changing weather and lighting conditions. It challenges artists to simplify forms and focus on essentials. Plein air painting improves observation skills and deepens understanding of color relationships and spatial depth. Artists often complete studies on-site and may refine or expand them later in the studio. It’s a practical exercise that builds technical skill, visual memory, and confidence in working efficiently under natural conditions. Here are three of my recent plein air paintings: "Rose Garden in July." I was mesmerized by the flowers' soft colors.  "Rose Garden 2". Toward the far side of the Rose Garden, there is a small wooded area. I set up there to avoid the crowds.  "Woodland Park". Every direction you turn—trees! This one took about an hour.  Watch for more plein air paintings in future posts!
0 Comments
• No need to mix Gamsol and Galkyd Lite to create an oil out • Can be used as a primer for board, instead of gesso. (But you can't apply an acrylic layer over it. Any underpainting or colored tinting before painting must be done in oils. • Made of safflower oil, so less odorous and safer for chemically sensitive people • Dries in a semi-gloss sheen rather than high gloss. • It is a "lean" layer, so thicker paint can be applied over it   (Sidebar: Notice how they always display tubes of paint upside down? This way, when you squeeze paint out of the tube, you won't get a lot of oil first.)
 I have been watching Turner Vinson's plein air YouTube videos. He is the most enjoyable plein air painter to watch because his approach is so direct and spontaneous. He smears, drips, and brushes color onto the canvas in a way that appears out of control and wild, but he is always studying his subject carefully. His marks are intentionally spontaneous, which is what makes him interesting to watch. Plus, he sometimes paints very large paintings outdoors, and the complexity and difficulty of carrying and managing canvases and supplies shows tremendous intention. He often uses very thick paint. I noticed that he uses the cheapest brands he can find, which is smart since he's using so much paint. See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbZ5P-KyqRs
|
AuthorPatrick Howe Archives
January 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
Copyright © 2025, by Patrick Howe, all rights reserved.
Patrick Howe, Artist, Author and Educator Seattle, WA. Contact: [email protected] |
|