Why Artists do Plein Air Painting? My Opinion.

There are plenty of challenges when painting out of doors. Things like: insects - including but not limited to mosquitoes and ticks; snakes; curious animals; intense heat and cold; rain and snow; wind; dust; traffic; noise; people who don't like that you are painting in front of their property; people who will honk at or yell at you when they drive by, etc. As a result many artists never leave the comfort of their studios.

I love being outdoors and seeing the beauty of nature that God has given us. I like the idea of capturing a moment in time, the freshness of painting quickly, seeing the true colors of light and shadow, and giving my personal response to a scene.

Whenever I am out painting on location, or "en plein aire" as the French liked to call it, I am often approached by curious passers' by. Some have never seen an artist painting out of doors or at least have never been up close to one. Some people will stand back and watch in silence. Others will ask if I would mind if they take a look. Still others will come up and take a photo of my painting without even asking if is okay to do so. I prefer the more mannerly ones who ask permission.

For some reason a lot of people feel like they have to say things like: I can't draw a straight line or I can't even draw is a stick figure or my aunt is a REALLY GOOD painter or how long does it take you to do a painting like this? or do you sell your work? or what are you doing? and many more comments and questions.

I always try to be nice to people and patient when they ask questions, sometimes selling the painting right off of my easel. There are artists who hate it when they are approached and feel like it is an intrusion to their privacy. They can be curt or not respond if someone asks them a question. A few will where T-Shirts with answers to common questions printed on them, to discourage comments.

Plein Air painting is my favorite way to paint.

Color, contrast, and cropping are close to the original but not exact.

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