- Choose the right materials: Use high-quality watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.
- Plan ahead: Scout out your location beforehand and consider the time of day and weather conditions.
- Simplify your composition: Focus on the main elements of your scene and don’t get bogged down in details.
- Start with a light wash: Use a light wash to establish the overall tone of your painting before adding more detail.
- Work quickly: Plein air painting is all about capturing the moment, so work quickly to capture the changing light and atmosphere.
- Embrace imperfections: Don’t worry about making mistakes or creating a perfect painting. Embrace the imperfections that come with working outdoors.
- Experiment with techniques: Try different techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, or splattering to create interesting effects in your painting.
- Be prepared for challenges: Be prepared for challenges such as changing weather conditions or unexpected distractions while painting outdoors.
Are you tired of painting indoors? Do you want to take your watercolor skills outdoors and capture the beauty of nature? Plein air painting might just be what you need!
Plein air, or outdoor painting, is a unique experience that allows artists to observe and paint the landscape in its truest form. However, it can also be quite challenging. Unpredictable weather conditions, changing light, and limited time can make it difficult to create a masterpiece. But don’t worry, with the right tips and tricks, you can become a pro at plein air watercolor painting in no time!
In this article, we’ll share some expert advice on how to prep for your outdoor painting adventure, which tools and materials are essential for success, and some techniques that will help you capture the essence of nature in your watercolor paintings. So grab your brushes and let’s get started!
Plein Air Watercolor Painting Tips – The Quick Answer:
Essential supplies for plein air watercolor painting include a portable easel, watercolor paper or sketchbook, a variety of brushes, a palette with wells for mixing colors, and a selection of watercolor paints. It’s also important to bring along plenty of water and some paper towels or a rag for cleaning brushes. A lightweight stool or chair can also be helpful for extended painting sessions.
What is Plein Air Painting?
Plein air painting is a style of painting where the artist goes outdoors to paint the landscape directly in front of them. The term “plein air” comes from the French phrase meaning “open air.” This technique has been popular for centuries, with some of the earliest examples coming from the 17th century Dutch landscape painters.
One of the main benefits of plein air painting is that it allows artists to capture the light and atmosphere of a particular moment, which can be difficult to replicate in a studio setting. By working quickly and instinctively, artists can create vibrant and spontaneous paintings that convey a sense of immediacy and energy.
Plein air painting can be done in any medium, but watercolor is particularly well-suited for this approach due to its portability and quick-drying properties. With watercolors, artists can work quickly to capture changing light and atmosphere while still maintaining control over their brushwork and color choices.
How Watercolor Differs from Other Mediums in Plein Air Painting
Watercolor differs from other mediums like oil or acrylic in several ways when it comes to plein air painting. One major difference is that watercolor dries much faster than other mediums, which means artists need to work quickly to capture changing light and atmosphere.
Another difference is that watercolor allows for more transparency than other mediums, which can be both an advantage and disadvantage. On one hand, this transparency allows for beautiful layering effects and luminous washes. On the other hand, it can be difficult to cover up mistakes or make corrections once a wash has been applied.
Finally, watercolor requires a different approach to brushwork than other mediums. Because watercolor dries so quickly, artists need to use bold strokes and work with intentionality if they want to achieve a cohesive finished piece.
Essential Supplies for Plein Air Watercolor Painting
When it comes to plein air watercolor painting, there are a few essential supplies that every artist should have on hand. These include:
Watercolor paints:
Choose a portable set of watercolors that has a good range of colors and is easy to transport.
Watercolor paper:
Look for watercolor paper that is specifically designed for outdoor use. This will typically be made from a heavier weight paper and may have a rougher texture than traditional watercolor paper.
Brushes:
Bring a variety of brushes in different sizes and shapes to give you flexibility when it comes to your brushwork.
Palette:
A portable palette is essential for plein air painting, as it allows you to mix your colors without having to carry around multiple containers.
Water container:
Bring along a container for water so you can clean your brushes and mix your paints.
Tips for choosing supplies
When choosing supplies for plein air watercolor painting, keep in mind that portability is key. Look for items that are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Consider investing in a high-quality backpack or tote bag that is specifically designed for artists and can hold all of your supplies.
Choosing a Subject for Outdoor Painting
When it comes to choosing a subject for outdoor painting, there are several factors to consider. One important consideration is the lighting conditions at the time you plan to paint. The best time of day for plein air painting is typically early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky and casts long shadows.
Another factor to consider is the composition of the scene. Look for interesting shapes and patterns in the landscape, such as winding paths or clusters of trees. Consider how you want to frame the scene and what elements you want to include or exclude.
Finally, think about the mood or feeling you want to convey in your painting. Do you want to capture a sense of tranquility or energy? Is there a particular emotion or atmosphere that speaks to you?
Techniques to Capture Changing Light and Atmosphere in Landscape Painting
Capturing changing light and atmosphere is one of the main challenges of plein air painting, but there are several techniques that artists can use to achieve this effect. One technique is to work quickly and instinctively, using bold strokes and loose brushwork to capture the essence of the scene.
Another technique is to layer your colors carefully, building up washes gradually and allowing them to dry between layers. This can create a luminous effect that captures the subtle shifts in light and color over time.
Finally, pay close attention to the temperature and value relationships in your painting. By carefully balancing warm and cool colors, as well as light and dark values, you can create a sense of depth and atmosphere that helps convey the mood of the scene.
Dealing with Unexpected Weather Conditions While Painting Outside
When it comes to plein air painting, unexpected weather conditions are always a possibility. Whether it’s sudden rain showers or intense sun, it’s important for artists to be prepared for any situation.
One way to prepare for unexpected weather conditions is by checking the forecast before heading out. If rain is expected, bring along a waterproof cover or umbrella that will protect both you and your supplies from getting wet. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, make sure you bring along plenty of water and sunscreen.
Another way to deal with unexpected weather conditions is by being flexible with your plans. If a storm rolls in unexpectedly, don’t be afraid to pack up early and head inside. You can always return later when conditions improve.
Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Watercolors in a Plein Air Setting
Working with watercolors in a plein air setting can be challenging, and there are several common mistakes that artists should avoid. One mistake is using too much water, which can cause colors to bleed and wash out. Instead, use less water and build up your colors gradually.
Another mistake is not planning your composition carefully enough before starting to paint. Take some time to sketch out the scene and think about how you want to frame it before diving in.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. While plein air painting requires a certain level of speed and spontaneity, there’s still room for creativity and exploration.
Tips for Improving Your Skills as a Plein Air Watercolor Painter
Improving your skills as a plein air watercolor painter takes practice and persistence, but there are several tips that can help you along the way. One tip is to focus on simplifying your compositions. Look for interesting shapes and patterns in the landscape and try to capture them in bold strokes.
Another tip is to work quickly and decisively, using loose brushwork and bold colors to create a sense of energy and movement in your paintings. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or take risks; this is all part of the learning process.
Finally, seek out other artists who share your passion for plein air painting. Attend workshops or classes where you can learn new techniques and get feedback on your work. Surrounding yourself with other passionate artists can be a great source of inspiration and motivation.
In conclusion, the tips provided for plein air watercolor painting can greatly enhance the quality of your artwork and improve your overall experience. By selecting the right materials, understanding lighting and composition, and practicing various techniques, you can create beautiful and captivating pieces while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plein Air Watercolor Painting Tips
Is watercolor good for plein air painting?
Painting outdoors is an excellent opportunity to learn from nature and real-life experiences. Using watercolors to paint outside (known as plein air) is not as challenging as one might expect. High-quality plein air watercolor paintings can be just as fresh and sophisticated as those made in a studio, and they can be featured in major exhibitions or museums.
What watercolours are best for plein air?
The plein air watercolour palette typically consists of cool and warm versions of primary colors including red, yellow, and blue. Some recommended primary colors for the palette include ultramarine, phthalo blue, cadmium red, quinacridone rose, and cadmium or hansa yellow. For those wanting to paint landscapes with a wider range of colors, it is suggested to include earth tones and greens in the palette.
What is the secret to watercolor painting?
There is no need to vigorously stroke or rub the paper when using watercolor paint because the paint will naturally spread and absorb into the areas that are already damp. This is because watercolor paint will only move where the paper is wet or damp. Dry areas of the paper surrounding the dampness act as barriers, preventing the paint from spreading beyond those areas.
Do you use underpainting in watercolor?
When painting yellow flowers, underpainting techniques can prevent the creation of muddy shadows that result from mixing shadow colors. By using a cool, complementary purple mix as an underpainting for shadows, the final result will be more vibrant and clear.
What is the best time for plein air painting?
For beginner plein-air painters, the optimal time to paint is between 11am and 3pm, according to my recommendation. This is because the sun is positioned high in the sky and the changes in light are not as extreme. While the morning and evening light can be stunning and intense, it can also change rapidly and lead to frustration. This advice was given on April 1st, 2021.
What size is best for plein air?
For plein air painting, it is recommended to use panels that are either 9×12, 11×14, or 12×16 inches in size. This advice was given on February 5th, 2021.
