The Practical and Inspirational Guide to Painting Outdoors

Painting outdoors, also known as plein air painting, is a challenging but rewarding experience that can help you to develop your skills as an artist and to connect with the natural world in a new way. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started painting outdoors.

Plein Air Painting with Oils: A practical & inspirational guide to painting outdoors

by Haidee-Jo Summers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	290271 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	78 pages

FREE

Materials

The first step to painting outdoors is to gather the necessary materials. You will need:

• A portable easel
• A palette
• Brushes
• Paints
• A water container
• A rag or paper towels
• A hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A folding stool or chair (optional)

Choosing the Right Paints

When choosing paints for outdoor painting, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Lightfastness: The lightfastness of a paint refers to its resistance to fading over time. When painting outdoors, it is important to use paints with high lightfastness ratings to ensure that your paintings will not fade in the sun.
• Opacity: The opacity of a paint refers to its ability to cover the surface it is applied to. When painting outdoors, it is important to use opaque paints to ensure that your brushstrokes will not be lost in the sunlight.
• Drying time: The drying time of a paint refers to the amount of time it takes for the paint to dry. When painting outdoors, it is important to use paints with short drying times to ensure that your paintings will not be smudged by the wind or rain.

Techniques

There are a number of different techniques that you can use when painting outdoors. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Alla prima: Alla prima is a technique in which the painting is completed in one sitting, without any drying time between layers. This technique is often used by plein air painters because it allows them to capture the changing light and atmosphere of the scene.
• Glazing: Glazing is a technique in which thin layers of transparent paint are applied over one another. This technique can be used to create subtle changes in color and tone, and to add depth and richness to a painting.
• Impasto: Impasto is a technique in which thick layers of paint are applied to the canvas. This technique can be used to create a sense of texture and movement in a painting.

Finding Inspiration

One of the best things about painting outdoors is that there is no shortage of inspiration. The natural world is full of beautiful and interesting subjects to paint, from landscapes and seascapes to plants and animals. When looking for inspiration, it is important to be observant and to pay attention to the details of your surroundings.

Here are a few tips for finding inspiration when painting outdoors:

• Look for interesting compositions. The composition of a painting is the arrangement of the elements within the frame. When looking for inspiration, pay attention to the way that the different elements of the scene come together to create a harmonious image.
• Pay attention to the light. The light is one of the most important elements in a painting. When looking for inspiration, pay attention to the way that the light falls on the scene and how it affects the colors and textures of the objects.
• Look for emotional connections. When painting outdoors, it is important to connect with the scene on an emotional level. Look for subjects that you find beautiful, interesting, or inspiring.

Overcoming Challenges

Painting outdoors can be a challenging experience, but it is also a rewarding one. Here are a few tips for overcoming some of the challenges that you may encounter when painting outdoors:

• The weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for anything. Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, and a rain jacket and umbrella to protect yourself from the rain. If the weather is too bad to paint, don't be afraid to take a break and come back another day.
• Insects: Insects can be a nuisance when painting outdoors. Bring insect repellent to keep them away, and be sure to wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from bites.
• The wind: The wind can make it difficult to keep your canvas steady. Use a heavy easel and weigh it down with rocks or sandbags to prevent it from blowing over. You can also use a windbreak to protect your canvas from the wind.
• The changing light: The light can change quickly when painting outdoors. Be prepared to adjust your palette and your painting technique to accommodate the changing light.

Painting outdoors can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this guide, you can overcome the challenges and create beautiful and inspiring paintings. So get out there and start painting the world around you!

Plein Air Painting with Oils: A practical & inspirational guide to painting outdoors

by Haidee-Jo Summers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	290271 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	78 pages

FREE