Plein-air painting, the practice of painting outdoors, allows artists to capture the beauty and essence of nature firsthand. However, it comes with a unique set of challenges that can test both your skills and your patience. Here, we explore ten common challenges of plein-air painting and offer detailed solutions to help you overcome them.
1. Light Changes Quickly Outdoors
Light conditions can shift dramatically throughout the day, altering shadows, highlights, and the overall mood of your scene, making it difficult to maintain consistency in your painting.
Solution:
Capture Main Light and Shadow Patterns First: Start by quickly sketching the main light and shadow patterns to establish a solid foundation for your painting. This helps anchor your composition, making it easier to adjust to changes in lighting.
Work Fast and Use Reference Photos: Aim to work efficiently to capture the essence of the scene before the light changes too much. Take reference photos at different stages to use later if the light changes drastically or you need to finish the painting later. These photos provide a consistent reference point, helping you maintain cohesion in your work.
2. Paints Can Dry Quickly in the Open Air
Outdoor conditions, such as heat and wind, can cause your paints to dry much faster than they would indoors, complicating blending and application.
Solution:
Keep Your Palette Moist: Bring a spray bottle filled with water to mist your palette and keep your paints moist. Regularly misting your palette helps maintain the paint’s consistency, making it easier to blend and apply.
Prepare Ahead: Consider using a palette with a sealable lid to retain moisture and protect your paints from drying out. Acrylic painters can also use a stay-wet palette with a wet sponge and parchment paper to keep paints from drying too quickly.
3. Supplies Can Easily Get Knocked Over or Blown Away
Wind, uneven ground, and the open environment can lead to your supplies being knocked over or blown away, causing frustration and potentially damaging your materials.
Solution:
Secure Your Materials: Use clips, weights, or rubber bands to secure your paper, canvas, and other materials. Invest in an easel with a drawer that has compartments for paints, brushes, and other supplies to keep everything organized and less likely to be disturbed by the wind.
Use a Sturdy Easel: A weighted, sturdy easel is essential for stability in windy conditions. You can also use a tripod easel with adjustable legs to level your setup on uneven ground.
4. Wind, Rain, and Sun Can Be Unpredictable
Weather conditions can change unexpectedly, turning a pleasant painting session into a struggle against the elements.
Solution:
Check the Weather Forecast: Always check the weather forecast before you head out. Plan your painting sessions for times with favorable weather conditions, typically early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, and temperatures are moderate.
Carry Protective Gear: Bring essential protective gear like umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket to protect both yourself and your artwork from sudden weather changes. An umbrella or portable canopy can provide shade and protect against light rain, while a wide-brimmed hat offers personal sun protection.
5. Noise and People Can Interrupt Your Focus
Public spaces can be noisy and attract curious onlookers, which can be distracting and interrupt your focus. Passerbys could constantly stop and ask questions about your work making it difficult to concentrate.
Solution:
Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a painting location that is quiet and away from busy areas. Parks, nature reserves, and secluded areas can offer the tranquility needed for focused work. Early mornings or weekdays typically have fewer people around, providing a more peaceful environment.
Take a break to engage with the people: If there are a lot of people curious about your work it helps to stop and take a quick break to engage with them and share your passion about your art! That way their questions will be answered and they will be more likely to let you paint away in peace.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Bring noise-canceling headphones to block out ambient noise and help you concentrate. Listening to calming music or white noise can also create a more serene painting experience, helping you stay immersed in your work.
6. Limited Supplies and Space
Unlike a studio, plein-air painting requires you to bring all your supplies with you, which can limit your tools and workspace.
Solution:
Pack Light but Efficiently: Create a compact art kit that includes only essential supplies. Opt for travel-size versions of your favorite materials to keep your setup lightweight and manageable. Think about the minimum you need for your painting, such as a limited palette, a few brushes, a water container, and paper towels.
Plan Your Palette: Pre-mix some colors to save time and reduce the number of paint tubes you need to carry. A limited palette not only reduces the load but also helps in creating harmonious color schemes, which can simplify your work and enhance your painting.
7. Physical Discomfort
Standing for long periods, exposure to the sun, and working on uneven ground can lead to physical discomfort, impacting your painting experience and concentration.
Solution:
Dress Comfortably: Wear layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Use a hat for sun protection, and bring a jacket for cooler conditions. Choose comfortable, breathable clothing and consider UV-protective gear for long sessions in the sun.
Use a Comfortable Chair or Stool: Invest in a lightweight, portable stool or chair to provide a comfortable seating option, reducing physical strain during long painting sessions. A kneeling pad can also be useful if you prefer to work closer to the ground.
8. Difficulty in Finding a Good Composition
The vastness of an outdoor setting can be overwhelming, making it hard to find a compelling and balanced composition for your painting.
Solution:
Use a Viewfinder: Carry a simple cardboard viewfinder or use your fingers to frame different parts of the scene. This helps you isolate and focus on specific elements, making it easier to compose a balanced and interesting painting.
Make Preliminary Sketches: Create a few quick thumbnail sketches to explore different compositions and perspectives before starting your main painting. This helps you decide on the best layout and focus on the most compelling aspects of the scene.
9. Challenges with Transportation
Transporting your art supplies, easel, and wet paintings can be cumbersome, especially if you need to hike or travel to remote locations.
Solution:
Use a Portable Easel and Backpack: Invest in a lightweight, foldable easel and a durable backpack designed for artists. These often have compartments specifically for carrying wet canvases and supplies, making transportation easier and more efficient.
Wet Canvas Carrier: Use a wet canvas carrier or a wet panel box to safely transport your paintings without smudging or damaging them. These carriers are designed to hold your wet artwork securely, preventing damage during transport.
10. Managing Long Sessions
Long painting sessions can be physically and mentally exhausting, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration.
Solution:
Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks to rest your eyes, stretch, and rehydrate. This helps maintain your energy and focus throughout the session.
Stay Comfortable: Wear comfortable shoes and consider using a kneeling pad or a lightweight chair to reduce physical strain during long sessions.
Snacks, Water, Drinks: Be sure to carry drinking water and some snacks to keep you going. Also when planning a long session choose a spot close to cafes or restaurants in case you need a break or a meal.
Plein-air painting offers a rewarding and enriching experience, despite the challenges it presents. By preparing in advance and adopting these practical solutions, you can transform potential obstacles into opportunities for artistic growth and inspiration.
 | Shikha Garg is an artist, illustrator and like to blog about travel sketching and watercolor painting. Her newly launched venture, Travel Sketch Love, organizes art tours and workshops in India under the top art instructors from around the world. She leads South India at the international watercolor festival, Fabriano Inacquarello, Italy and is always looking for ways to connect artists and build communities. Connect with her on instagram: @Shikhagargart Website: www.shikhagargart.com Email: shikhagargart@gmail.com |
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