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Plein air in French literally means 'out of doors'. For atists it's a painting done almost
entirely outside in front of the subject.
Plein Air painting was actually pioneered by Constable in Britain c.1813-17.
With the invention of the metal tube of paint in the mid 19th century, it became
possible for just about anyone to venture outside to paint. Of course, the Impressionists
brought this practice to a whole new high.
The National Association of Professional Plein Air Painters standards state: Plein
Air paintings are 90% completed on site and painted from life. Plein Air preliminary
work such as color studies and sketches designed to generate studio paintings
do not qualify as finished plein air painting. A Plein Air painter is someone
who paints the majority of his/her finished paintings on site.
At Plein Air Georgia, we have no preference as to style, materials used, or artistic
interpretation. These are all personal choices that contribute to the unique expression
of each artist while they paint 'en plein air'. Likewise, we think honest work
by novice or professional is equally valid. The challenges and rewards of plein
air painting are open to all. Although many of us are not die-hard plein air
purist, we all enjoy painting outside and enjoy networking with fellow artists
who enjoy the same. Some of us claim the title of plein air artists and others
just enjoy the occasional outing. No matter how much or how little you are able
to get outside and paint, all painters and patrons alike are welcome as members
of PAG.
Join us for Workshops- paintouts- forum discussions, friendship
There is always something new to learn to push us beyond our comfort zone. Our
mission is to serve the membership by providing a means to communicate with each
other, share event and workshop information and provide a showcase for our work.
Plein Air Tips
- Pack light and mobile.
- Wear comfortable clothes, add a hat in hot weather.
- Remember bug spray, sunblock, and first aid kit.
- Take a camera to help you find your focus and as a reference photo later on.
- Take plenty of drinking water and a snack.
- You don't have to go far to find your subjects. Your plein air adventures could
be just outside your door.
- Some people find it helpful to work from a pre-toned canvas.
- When first beginning lay in your darkest darks and lightest lights to establish
the light source and structure of your composition. The light source will change
quicker than you think so getting the shadows established quickly is essential.
- Paint with a group or other individual for safety sake.
- Be prepared to stop and talk with those that see you painting.
- Have your business cards ready as well as brochures that show your completed
work. You never know when you will make another art friend or client.
Painting en Plein Air
Things you'll need or appreciate when painting outdoors:
choose the things that relate to your medium.
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French easel, pochade box & tripod or other support for your canvas, board
or paper
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luggage carrier or other fast transport means for all equipment if what you use
can't fit in back pack
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canvas, painting panels, paper or sketch book
-
paint, brushes, medium, turp, pastels, pencils, watercolors, inks
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paper towels
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umbrella
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wide brim hat
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bug repellant
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sunscreen
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extra sweater, jacket, or disposable rain coat
-
trash bag
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hand wipes
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view finder
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water and a snack
-
hand & feet warmers in the winter
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cell phone
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trash bag
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wet paint carrier (pizza boxes work great)
-
business cards or other marketing material
The plein-air approach is most often associated with the style of Impressionist
painters such as Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Camille Pisarro. Their
love of nature and fascination with light led them out of doors, where they painted
with pure colors and broken strokes in an attempt to capture the transitory nature
of light. By painting in the open air, Impressionist artists were in turn following
a tradition begun by the Barbizon School of painters, a group of landscape artists
from the 1830s to the 1870s associated with the town of Barbizon, France. They
inspired fellow painters to go outside and experience nature directly in order
to render it more naturally than the artificially composed works of their predecessors.—from
Antiques Roadshow |
