Wonderful opportunities await the plein air painter. Studio painting provides different advantages. But sometimes, it’s a combination of the two that suits the situation. You may have a lot of paint boxes, but you don’t have to think inside them.
Lillian Kennedy painting plein air and in the studio simulaneously - click this and all photos to enlarge.
Standing in the house, but painting out of doors? Take a screen out and put your easel on the ground out the window.
The iris looked perfect from inside le petit atelier (aka laundry room), but they looked even better when I leaned out just a tad. so I painted them plein air while enjoying the shady comfort of home and keeping an eye on the spin cycle.
Earlier this spring, I took out an upstairs screen, opened the window, and painted apple blossoms at eye level.
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You can put a bouquet on a table in front of an open window. No spotlight can replace the beauty of real sunlight and direct seeing, and the convenience of working in the shade on a flat floor can extend concentration. There you are – comfy as anything and within reach of the coffee pot. You do need to open the window – not just to use the term plein air, but because a pane of glass makes a BIG difference in the quality and intimacy of the experience.
Ann Hayes painting on her veranda
How about painting plein air in the pouring rain while staying dry and content? Take a look at Ann Hayes doing just that. She would have missed the beautiful soft light if she hadn’t had it both ways by standing on her veranda.
Do you have a special view from your home? Are there times when you physically aren’t up to being out in the hot sun or pouring rain, but would like to go painting? Mix it up a bit for more opportunities. Tell us about it in the comments.