An Artist's Guide to Plein Air Painting Oct. 2015 | Page 5

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The impressionists aimed to paint real life scenes and the natural
light effects supplied by mother nature. This concern with natural light
became a passion in itself. Famous artists like Monet dedicated their
careers to this pursuit.
Art became more democratised and a popular activity for the
merchant and professional classes. Social painting outdoors was not
uncommon.
Fast forward to the present and we can see plein air painting taking
off in ever greater popularity. The reasons for this are many and
include relaxation from the pressures of work. There is also a
pleasant break from our digital world back to the analog world of
paints and brushes.
Organised paint outs are popular in larger centres adding to the
social aspect of art. A growing industry in painter's equipment has
resulted in all manner of kit to make outdoor painting easier. Add to
this the exposure to the great outdoors and we have a perfect leisure
industry for those with time on their hands.
Professionals and serious part-timers see the benefits from painting
in the landscape itself. The immediacy and experience provides a
holistic painting experience often lost in the studio.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES PAINTING OUTDOORS ENTAIL?

This is a matter of debate. Some suggest a certain percentage of the
painting must have completed outdoors to qualify as plein air. What
that percentage is can vary b