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“The Preparation”

We discussed last week the rewards gained when one takes the opportunity to explore the experience of becoming a Plein Air painter. This post is for the artist that has not shared this journey yet and is curious about how to start. Let me assure you that this not that hard!

I find that it is more of mental exercise than any other challenge to me. It’s like taking a walk. Each of us want to engage in activities that are entertaining, enjoyable and most rewarding. When we take that time to work out, walk, run we normally feel so much better about ourselves and feel pride for the effort. Now how does the above apply to Plein Air painting? Well there is a measure of attitude to be applied to this activity. We must come to the realization that we need in some instances to leave our comfort zone i.e. warm bed, etc. and journey to the outside world. This can be overcome in several measures by creating small rewards along the journey. A stop at Starbucks, painting with a friend, taking your pet for company and other. You get the idea, right?

What do you want to paint next question. The is totally your choice. I always tell folks to be true to yourself first. Paint what you know and feel. I find that I am more satisfied with the results when I follow my own advice on this subject. Additionally, I find that when painting in Plein Air, it becomes a very personal and solitary experience. In other words, painting with a group of folks is not my thing. Not to say I’m anti-social, not at all, I love to engage other artists and learn from their experiences and knowledge. It’s just that I want to enjoy the outdoors, natural environment applying these moments to canvas in a solitary manner. I do enjoy painting with one or two folks and have had great and memorable times with likeminded artists.

This brings me to another venue for the Plein air Experience. Workshops! These experiences can be very instructive and rewarding. Again, your attitude and perceived goals are very important to this exercise. I have enjoyed several workshops and have learned from each. Every instructor brings years of trial and error experiences to the class. Their talent can be amazing creating fabulous work. But you are not there to see their work, rather to learn how to make your work better. The best instructors identify with you and the level and degree of talent you possess and are supposed to instruct you to become better.  When you find one that is teaching you to conform to their personal applications and teaches only their style and not trying to further yours, in my humble opinion that is not a good fit.  Simply stated, I don’t want to paint like anyone else I know. I do however want to become more knowledgeable and professional with this amazing craft.  Again, its solely up to you as to whether you can feel comfortable in this setting.

The first workshop was a very intimidating experience for me, truly. I had signed up with a very notable artist that I admired. She is one of the “premier” Plein Air artists and instructor. Her work is just amazing and collectors grab up every piece she produces as soon as the paint is dry. I must admit I was totally freaked but did overcome this feeling and have enjoyed many workshops since.  Hopefully you won’t experience this very negative energy and that’s exactly what it is. You are there to learn, and experience the event. Leave all that negative baggage at home or better yet, put it in the garbage!

Additionally, workshops that carry more than 8-10 folks can become frustrating. As there is always one that requires more attention than others and your instructor just can’t carve out the time to give you the attention you deserve. Please don’t be offended when an instructor takes the brush and starts to work on your piece; rather observe, watch the way they hold the brush, their brush strokes, mixing paints and listen intently as they instruct. The finished piece your creating is secondary in importance when you can have the opportunity to have someone show you a technique. That’s why you are in a workshop. Also, when you are in a Plein Air workshop be open to change and unexpected events as they invariably happen, and when confronted by these events, roll with it. Don’t start whining. Nothing can be more distracting to me personally than a constant wah, wah, wah when the wind blows, it rains, snows, insects, animal interference etc. happens. These issues happen and adjust to the situation, suck it up, and give it that glorious million dollar smile and go for it. I will discuss more about what to take on these excursions and as importantly what not to wag along in the next blog.

I would really enjoy your feedback on this article. Please leave your comments.

Until next time, have fun and enjoy the journey- 

May God Bless- 

Ken Pieper 

http://kenpieper.fineartstudioonline.com/