"Artists Paint the Town"
Plein Air Guide
Painting Location
Plein Air Info
PLEIN AIR
French expression meaning “IN THE OPEN AIR”
Involves completing the artwork in one setting.
You need to work fairly quickly and adapt to the environment…
You can start in the sunshine and finish in the rain!
In the mid 1800’s - portable paint tubes and easels made it possible to go outside of studios to engage with nature. You try to capture the essence of being outside – while embracing the imperfections and spontaneity of working outdoors.
BENEFITS – develops your artistic process. Light and weather can breathe new life into your work. You learn to paint quickly, and it gives you more confidence.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
1. Bring a portable easel or table and chair.
2. Essentials only! – only bring colors and brushes necessary for your painting. Keep it simple!
3. Sketchbook – plan your composition before you commit to canvas! A two-minute sketch can really help you!
4. Be prepared for the weather!
5. Embrace change – in lighting!
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· Pack not only canvas, easel, paint, and brushes – but ALSO
· Water container – Water – Paper towels or Rags (for cleaning brushes)
· Canvas panels are a popular choice – they provide a stable surface to paint on.
· White canvas – good start
· Toned canvas – the under paint helps warm up the painting.
· Avoid direct sunlight – paint in the shade – your colors will look more vibrant!
· Take a reference photo – in case the light changes quickly or the weather changes!
· Start with your darkest shapes – this will establish a dynamic from the beginning.
· Try breaking down the landscape into basic shapes – and simplify them.
· Painting quickly encourages loose expressive brush work.
· First painting – well – embrace it!!!
1. Start slow – look in your backyard for something inspiring to paint.
2. Have a plan – make sure you take everything you need.
3. Take a break.
4. Maybe bring a friend to paint along with you – or just for moral support!
HAVE FUN!!!
For information regarding registration for the gallery’s next Plein Air event please visit our website. https://www.indianaartgallery.com
5 Quick and Dirty Tricks for Artists
1. Be bold but controlled. Paint with enthusiasm, but not chaos. Have a plan in mind for what you are doing. What was the reason you wanted to paint this? Always keep that reason at the forefront of your design plan.
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2. It’s values. We all get tired of hearing that, preferring to find the “magic secret” to better painting. But if it’s not the right value, it is of little or no value.
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3. Start now to study composition. In the long run, you will find that a good understanding of a good composition will take you further than painting with no purpose.
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4. Going outside in the beginning is usually to practice the elements or should be thought of that way. Plan your practice sessions to attack your personal weaknesses.
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5. Stick with a limited palette as long as you can. Then when you add a color or value, you know why you want.
by Gene Costanza
*PROFESSTIONAL: One who is trained or has studied beyond high school and has a degree in art and/or has had work accepted in one or more major juried shows, i.e. Hoosier Salon, Indiana Heritage Arts, etc., and/or has been accepted into an established Gallery and/or earned their living entirely or partially (over $600 per year) with their art. This may include those that teach art in school or workshops.