My Plein Air Painting Journey

The Beauty of Plein Air Painting: A Personal Journey

Plein air painting, a practice that has captivated artists for centuries, involves creating artwork outdoors, directly observing the landscape before you. The term "plein air" is derived from the French phrase meaning "in the open air." This art form not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also challenges artists to capture the essence of a moment, the play of light, and the shifting colors of the environment around them.

A Brief History of Plein Air Painting

The roots of plein air painting can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly with the Impressionist movement. Artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro took their easels outdoors, breaking away from the confines of the studio to embrace the vibrancy of natural light and atmosphere. This revolutionary approach to painting transformed the art world, allowing for a more spontaneous and immediate engagement with the subject matter. Over the years, plein air painting has evolved, influencing countless artists and becoming a cherished tradition in the art community.

Valle Serena, in the collection of Borgo Santo Pietro

My Journey into Plein Air Painting

My journey into the world of plein air painting began with Marjorie Portnow's landscape painting class at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Under her guidance, I discovered the magic of capturing the landscape in real-time, igniting a lifelong passion that intertwines two of my loves, the outdoors and painting. The experience of working outdoors, with the sounds of nature surrounding me and the ever-changing light, has been nothing short of transformative. Our outings to Valley Forge, Fairmount Park, and the top of Penn Tower were a few of the highlights. I received several awards and accolades as her student including the Cecilia Beaux and Historic Yellow Springs awards and sold work into the collection of beloved professor, Al Gury.

Plein air painting is not for the meek; it requires resilience and adaptability. Painting amidst the elements can be challenging, but the rewards are immense. I have had the privilege to have painted in places like Tuscany and while on vacation in Riviera Maya, and the honor of receiving several awards for my plein air work, including my most recent recognition at the Paint Old Historic New Castle '24 event. This year, I am thrilled to announce that the event will return for the town's Day in Old New Castle 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 17th. Come on by, it is always a fun event!!

My early teaching career was deeply rooted in the plein air experience. I spent time at FDR Park in Philadelphia and Lighthouse Park in Cape May, where I taught plein air painting in oil to a great group of students. I'd hop in the car and head down the highway to Cape May from Brigantine, loaded up with enough supplies for all. It was a blast! However, an unfortunate allergy to mineral spirits led me to shift my focus to gouache and Open acrylics, allowing me to continue exploring the beauty of plein air painting without compromising my health. Read more here.

The Fountain, Borgo Santo Pietro

Teaching in Tuscany and Returning to Vermont

One of the highlights of my artistic journey thus far has been the opportunity to spend four, month-long residencies in Tuscany, Italy, teaching and painting en plein air. The breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tuscany provide an inspiring backdrop for any artist. Being fully immersed in art making and teaching for an entire month is a truly incredible experience, for which I am eternally grateful.

This summer, I am excited to bring the plein air experience back to my home state of Vermont. I will welcome several painters to join me in this creative adventure. While the group lodging is currently full, I encourage anyone interested to request to be placed on the waiting list in case of cancellations. There is also the option to join the class and find nearby lodging in Stowe. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of fellow artists sharing in the joys and challenges of painting outdoors.

Foster's Bridge, Cabot, VT, In the collection of The Kellers

Conclusion

Plein air painting is more than just a technique; it's a way to connect with nature and express one's artistic vision in a visceral and immediate way. As I continue on this journey, I am grateful for the mentors, experiences, and fellow artists who have enriched my life and inspired me to keep exploring the great outdoors with a brush in hand. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, I invite you to embrace the beauty of plein air painting and discover the magic that lies in nature. These years of looking at and painting, and feeling the spaces we find ourselves, evolved into this series of studio paintings you can see here.

Wish you were here, acrylic on canvas, 12"sq., 2024 $350

Getting Started with Plein Air Painting: Simple Tips for Beginners

but first, some oldies...

Cape May Lighthouse, oil on canvas, 8 x 10

Teaching in Cape May, early 2000s

Getting Started with Plein Air Painting: Simple Tips for Beginners

If you want to try plein air painting (painting outdoors), here are some easy tips to help you get started and enjoy the experience:

What You Should Do:

- Pick a Spot: Find a location that inspires you, and set up in a safe, shaded area, considering the path of the sun.

Pro tip: I like to find a location with a restroom if possible.

- Use Minimal/Lightweight Supplies: Choose a portable easel (too many options to list!) and easy-to-carry materials you feel comfortable with. I like to use Golden Open Acrylics and M. Graham Gouache in a limited palette, sometimes only 2 colors and white, but usually a warm - cool primary palette. You'll need 2 containers for water, one for clean and the other for discarding the dirty. Bring trash bag to carry out your discarded materials, and please leave no trace behind.

- Be Prepared for Weather: Bring drinking water, a snack, clips (wind!), sunscreen, bug spray (ticks!), a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or rain, and embrace the elements.

- Zero in and Set a Time Limit: Decide what and how long you'll paint. Do a thumbnail sketch and snap a quick photo to

help you stay focused on capturing the light and mood of the scene.

What You Should Avoid:

- Don’t Overpack: Only bring the essentials to keep things simple and not feel overwhelmed.

- Don’t Aim for Perfection: Set your intention and cut through the visual noise. Remember, plein air painting is about distilling the experience down to it's essence through simplification.

- Don’t Rush: Take your time to really look at your surroundings and let the scene inspire you.

- Don’t Forget to Enjoy: Make sure to appreciate being outside and connecting with nature while you paint.

Notes

Have fun!

Always leave the location better than when you arrived.

Bring a buddy - there's safety in numbers!

Want to learn more?

Reach out to schedule a small group or private workshop!

Do you have a plein air painting story or a great tip/ trick you would like to share? I'd love to hear from you!

If you've made it this far, you may be interested in this video I made as I packed for my last residency in Tuscany.