Plein Air Paintings

This morning I woke to blue skies and unseasonable warm temperatures. I gathered my paints, water bottle, pallet, canvas, and husband and headed out to try my hand at some plein air painting. This was my first time painting on-site in years and the difference was significant.

First there are the technical differences. These I expected. The light was brilliant – far brighter than in my painting studio – and I could detect the subtle differences in the shades of my paints. Of course, the scene in front of me was more detailed than it would be from a photo or sketch. Then there was the sun pounding on my neck, the cold hard ground, and the distance from a washroom that had me painting at a frantic and vigorous rate that I could not maintain for more than an hour or so.

But the second difference was psychological. One of the things I love most about my studio is that is a sanctuary. I can go in, close the door and leave the world behind me. But there are some days I want to be in the world – I want to be part of the community and suddenly the isolation of my studio is something I resent. While I painted today I was surrounded by people – a young boy and his mother stopped to watch me paint. An older, elegantly dressed woman asked me to turn my canvases around. After a close look, she said, “Oh, I can see what you are doing...”
Which leaves me with my parting question: If I want to paint Calgary and southern Alberta, shouldn’t I be out in Calgary not shut away in a studio? (NOTE: I reserve the right to retract this question in -10 weather)

All in all the day was successful...the process more interesting, than the outcome. I look forward to another weekend of on-site painting. Below are the results of my first Canada plein air experience.

Plein Air: South Glenmore Park I

March 2010

Plein Air: South Glenmore Park II

March 2010