Capturing the Energy of the City in Brushstrokes
Plein air watercolor painting is a beautiful and rewarding experience that every watercolor artist should try at least once in their career. Plein air painting is simply the act of painting outdoors, on location, and capturing the beauty and essence of the scene in front of you. Watercolor is a perfect medium for plein air painting because of its portability, flexibility, and fast-drying nature.
If you’re new to plein air watercolor painting, here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose the right supplies: You don’t need to bring your entire studio with you when painting outdoors. Keep it simple and bring only the essentials. You’ll need a good quality watercolor paper, a set of watercolor paints, brushes, a water container, and a folding easel or board to hold your paper.
- Plan ahead: Before heading out to paint, take some time to scout out locations and think about what you want to paint. Consider the lighting, composition, and overall atmosphere of the scene.
- Work quickly: The light and weather conditions can change rapidly when painting outdoors, so it’s important to work quickly and efficiently. Keep your brushstrokes loose and expressive, and don’t worry too much about getting everything perfect.
- Embrace imperfection: Plein air painting is about capturing the essence of the scene, not necessarily creating a perfect representation of it. Embrace the imperfections and unique qualities of your painting, and let them add to the character of the piece.
- Have fun! Most importantly, plein air painting should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, plein air watercolor painting is a wonderful way to connect with nature, improve your painting skills, and create beautiful art. So grab your supplies, head outdoors, and start painting!
