- Stepping outside marks the beginning of a creative adventure
- What’s plenair?
- Before you venture out into the world?
- Choose your materials
- Choose your location
- First, decide on the subject you want to portray
- Having the right mindset and well-organized workplace is the key to producing your best work
- Organising your space effectively within the chosen format is the key to creating a compelling composition
- Start looking at the big picture before diving into the smallest details
- Keep practising consistently
- Pay close attention to colour in nature
- Take it one step at a time
Summer has arrived, bringing with it longer days and a burst of vibrant life in nature. The fresh air beckons everyone—whether for a stroll, some gardening, or a quiet afternoon fishing—each person finds their own way to enjoy it. For artists, this warm season signals the start of plein air painting, an opportunity to step outside the walls of home or studio and create directly from the open environment. The phrase «plein air» comes from French, meaning «in the open air.»
For those who paint or draw outdoors, the work can take many forms, ranging from focused exercises on tone and color to fully realized pieces inspired by the natural world. Both the joy of creating and the success of the finished artwork often come down to applying the right techniques.
Below, you’ll find some essential tips to help improve your outdoor art practice. If these resonate with your own experience painting or drawing from life, I’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might want to add.
Let’s keep the conversation going!
1. Stepping outside marks the beginning of a creative adventure
For centuries, artists have turned to plein air painting, drawing inspiration directly from nature. This engaging and somewhat enigmatic practice opens up fresh creative possibilities. Let’s lift the curtain on this process and discover how painting outdoors can sharpen your ability to capture color and light.
Plein air painting attracts both experienced artists and beginners who want to enjoy the artistic journey. In this article, I’ll explain what plein air painting is and share practical tips for those just starting out. You’ll learn how to get going, select the right composition, and train your eye to observe nature more accurately and deeply.
Diving into plein air painting will heighten your awareness and deepen your appreciation for the world around you. Painting outside not only builds new skills but also brings the pure pleasure of creativity to life.
Павловский парк Pavlovsk Park
2. What is plein air?
Plein air painting means creating art outdoors, with a focus on capturing natural light as it changes throughout the day. This approach can include landscapes, everyday scenes, or even still life subjects. Unlike working in a studio where artists often rely on sketches or models, plein air requires direct observation and interaction with the environment.
The practice became widely popular thanks to the French Impressionists, who brought it into the spotlight. Its rise was also helped by practical innovations like portable paint tubes and easels, which made painting outside much easier.
Painting en plein air calls for particular skills, especially the ability to quickly capture shifting colors and light. Artists who work this way often aim for lively, fresh compositions that reflect the unique qualities of a moment. It sharpens your ability to observe closely and to translate the atmosphere and mood of a scene onto the canvas.
Plein air painting attracts both experienced artists and beginners who want to dive into the creative process. In this article, I’ll explain what plein air is all about and share helpful tips for those just starting out. You’ll learn how to begin, how to select compelling compositions, and how to train your eye to see nature more clearly.
By painting outdoors, you’ll deepen your connection to the world around you, improve your skills, and find joy in creating something truly your own. It’s a rewarding way to see and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
3.Before you venture out into the wide, open world filled with light and air, there are a few things worth knowing. Here are some practical pointers to help you get started:
1. Choose Your Materials
When it comes to paints, any type can work for plein air painting. However, it’s recommended to start with gouache. This medium mixes well with water, dries quickly, and offers excellent coverage. Unlike watercolor, gouache is more adjustable, making it easier for beginners. Watercolor requires a certain level of skill and precision; mistakes can be harder to correct without damaging the paper.
For beginner artists, an optimal paper size is 15×20 cm. A wide brush, around 3 cm in width, is ideal for broader strokes, while narrower brushes can be used for fine details. Look for special watercolor paper and sketchbooks, which are also suitable for gouache.
2. Choose your location
Both urban and natural settings provide an abundance of subjects for plein air painting and drawing. Trying out different places and styles can help you figure out what truly inspires you. If busy, crowded areas make you uneasy, it’s best to avoid them. In those situations, wearing headphones can help create a personal space and reduce unwanted distractions from people passing by.
There’s also a useful way to connect with potential buyers: carry business cards. This makes it easy for interested viewers to contact you later, helping to build relationships that might turn into future sales. Take advantage of every chance to improve your skills and find inspiration in diverse environments. Enjoy the process of discovering new places and expressing your creativity through your art.
3. First, decide on the subject you want to portray
After selecting your location, take the time to thoroughly explore the surrounding area. Seek out captivating elements like objects bathed in beautiful light or groups of trees that catch your eye. Remember, lighting can change quickly, so managing your time wisely is important. If you only have about thirty minutes, choose a simpler scene to work on.
Don’t be afraid to zoom in on smaller details. Before you begin painting, snap several photos to help you finish the piece later at home, whether you’re working with oils, watercolors, or gouache. With good lighting and a bit of preparation, you’ll be able to capture those fleeting moments and focus on the finer details. This way, you’ll be able to bring out the true atmosphere of the place. The most indispensable thing is to take your time and concentrate on what genuinely moves you.
4. Having the right mindset and a well-organized workspace is key to producing your best work
Set up your art supplies, so everything is within easy reach. Your easel should hold all the essentials: paper or canvas on a frame, a palette, a towel, or cloth, a water container, and a few tubes of paint.
To keep your flow steady and avoid interruptions, squeeze out the main colors onto your palette before you begin. Mix them ahead of time so you’re ready to go once you start painting.
This way, you can stay fully immersed in the creative process without being distracted by small details. It not only helps you work more efficiently, but also makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare your space will definitely pay off in the end.
5. Organizing space effectively within your chosen format is key to creating a compelling composition
Start by using your fingers to frame the scene, helping you spot an interesting subject. Once you’ve picked your focus, transfer it onto your canvas or paper and sketch it lightly with a pencil.
It’s helpful to divide your workspace into three equal sections. Keep your lines clean and avoid overworking them, as too many marks can weaken the overall composition. The more deliberate and confident you are in arranging the space, the better chance you have of producing a balanced and harmonious piece.
Make sure to leave enough room between elements, so each one can stand out and draw the viewer’s eye. Thoughtful use of space doesn’t just enhance the look of your work—it also enriches its emotional impact. Pay close attention to every detail to bring about the effect you want.
6. Start by looking at the big picture before diving into the smallest details
Start by using the broadest brush you have for as long as you can. This helps you capture the overall shapes and prevents you from getting caught up in small details too early. Pay attention to how the colors interact with each other to better understand and judge them.
When you feel the wide brush no longer serves the purpose, move on to a smaller one. Don’t hurry into switching to a very fine brush right away; first, consider whether adding more detail is really necessary for what you’re working on.
7. Pay Close Attention to Color in Nature
For those just starting out, recognizing colors can be surprisingly tricky. It’s easy enough to tell red from blue, but when you’re faced with subtle blends of browns, grays, and purples, things get more complicated. Shadows don’t always read the same either—they might feel warm, cool, or somewhere in between. There aren’t any hard rules here; the key is simply to observe carefully. When needed, adjust the colors thoughtfully, keeping in mind how they actually appear in the natural world.
Spend time examining different settings, noticing how colors change with the light and the seasons. Watch how colors play off one another in various scenes. This kind of mindful observation will deepen your understanding and help you capture those hues more accurately in your own work. Take every chance to soak in the rich color palette nature offers, and let it fuel your creativity.
8. Keep practicing consistently
Not every piece you create will turn out perfect, and that’s completely fine. It depends on what you’re working on and your personal expectations. Try to quiet that inner voice of judgment and take a brief pause. Give yourself permission to shift your attention elsewhere for a bit.
Set up a special space or page just for quick sketches, playing with colors, and experimenting with textures. Use bigger surfaces when you want to stretch your creativity further.
Don’t be afraid to combine different materials and techniques—anything you enjoy can spark new ideas. It’s important to explore new approaches and allow yourself to stumble along the way. Each attempt, even those that don’t go as planned, moves you closer to improvement. Embracing experimentation not only sharpens your skills but also makes the whole creative journey more rewarding.
9.Take It One Step at a Time
There’s something truly rewarding about spending an entire day painting outdoors. But often, your time will be limited. Even just a couple of hours can be enough to capture the spirit of a landscape or scene.
If you only have about 30 minutes each day, you’ll need to adapt your approach. Concentrate on the key elements, which will make your work more simplified but also more lively. Working within a short timeframe encourages you to focus on what really matters instead of getting caught up in every little detail.
Use whatever time you have wisely, and you’ll be pleased with what you create. Keep in mind, even a brief stretch of time can lead to something special. You might be surprised at how much you can achieve when you tackle it with the right attitude. Stay focused on your goals and enjoy the process of creating.
Conclusions:
Painting outdoors, or en plein air, is both thrilling and demanding. It’s important to take it seriously and set goals that match your skills. Don’t be discouraged by a sketch that doesn’t turn out as you hoped—mistakes are part of the process, not failures. Blend what you’ve learned in theory with hands-on experience. If you can, seek advice from someone more experienced. Working alongside others who share your passion can also lift your spirits. When you feel ready, share your work with friends or colleagues to get their honest feedback. Above all, remember that it’s regular practice that will make painting outside a truly rewarding experience.
Художник Евгений Малых
