Thursday, 17 August 2017

First Time Plein Air Painting

For a very long time I've been dreaming about painting outside in nature. That dream finally came true.

Painting outside from observation sure isn't easy but even though you have no idea what you're doing it's terribly hard to get frustrated. The fresh air, birdsong and the occasional curious passersby creates a wonderful atmosphere where frustration is long gone. 

I was quite surprised with myself; it was my very first time painting plein air and somehow I had everything I needed. I was certain that I would find my spot, unpack and be about to start just to realise that I had forgotten something as crucial as paint. Oh well, I'll have plenty of opportunities to do that some other time.

It started to rain which was very fortunate because I had bitten off more than I could chew. For this little plein air study I used a limited palette of gouache: cadmium yellow hue, ultramarine deep, burnt sienna and titanium white. It was really helpful to only have three colours to work with because it simplified the whole process. 

My body is already aching to get out there and explore plein air painting some more.

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Pochade pocket box: Guerrilla Painter
Sketchbook: Pink Pig
Gouache: Schmincke

2 comments:

  1. Somehow I missed this post. How beautifully traditional and fun! Plein Air! Even the term feels 16th century LOL

    You did awesome hun ♥ So proud. Adore your box palette! What a fabulous little addition to your supplies and persona! Definiely get out and do more! :)

    As for your painting, beautiful shadows under the trees, love the tree trunks and the perspective is definitely coming through which is important in this kind of painting.

    May I ask where you went to do your Plein Air mission? A little rain, is a little nice ;) Just not on the paper.... Do you need a "hat-umbrella", perhaps? hehe

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    1. I know right? I think the term is quite old actually.

      Awww thank you so much! The little pochade box is such a good little thing to have. You need something to hold your paint, water and sketchbook otherwise I wouldn't even know how to navigate and paint at the same time.

      I'm so glad you see some perspective in it! Perspective is definitely one of the basics I'm lacking.

      Yes! Water on the painting wouldn't be good, the paint would reactivate and ruin the painting... But luckily I could pack up without any problems. Haha yes a hat-umbrella would be a perfect addition to my plein air painting kit :D

      This is a nature area in Copenhagen, Denmark, that's called Amager Fælled. I live right by it so it was quite fortunate to start there.

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