Why do artists like to paint in the open air – in all weathers?

Why do artists paint out doors  

I’m off to ‘Art in the Open’.

art in the open Why do artists paint out doors
art in the open

Why do artists like to paint out doors  

In the open air? Like the impressionists did?

They are known as ‘plein air painters’.
The largest plein air festival in Europe takes place in Wexford, in the Irish Republic. It is a mad week of even madder painting, in all weathers, and accompanied by approx. 200 other artists. This event attracts all standards, from beginners to professionals, who use all mediums in all sizes and many styles.

The people of Wexford know what to expect, as this is the 8th year of the festival. Can you even imagine, seeing 200 artists all hard at work, dotted about a town centre or a harbour?

They all know why do artists paint out doors

Activities include, six ‘paintouts’ in places all over Wexford county. Also there are painting workshops, life drawing sessions, and evening social activities. These include a barbeque, a dinner, and a charity ‘Quickdraw’ event in Wexford Town. Also, a lecture, and an exhibition at the end of the week, with awards and prize givings, for those lucky enough to attract the judges attention.

So why do artists paint out doors  

Because we hope the weather will be dry and warm and the locations colourful and picturesque. However, this is southern Ireland, where it rains a lot, it’s not called ‘the emerald isle; for nothing. Very often, its those rainy, windswept and stormy paintings that convey the most exciting atmospherics, which buyers just fall in love with and it’s the same few ‘hardy’ artists who manage to capture those effects so splendidly. So I look forward to painting with some of these ‘hardy’ professionals, in ‘all’ or almost all weathers, and hoping some of those stormy atmospherics will be captured in my work. You can be the judge of my success or otherwise, when I post some of the results.

What kit will I take?

my 'plein air' studio
Why do artists paint out doors
my ‘plein air’ studio

I’ll be working in watercolours and acrylics.

So why do artists paint out doors   And how do they do it?

So I’ll pack a metal sketching easel, a folding chair, which I can carry on my shoulder, (I know I should stand up to paint, but I can’t stand all day) and a small lightweight folding table.

For watercolours, I’ll include a small drawing board, water bottle, folding cup, a pallette, tubes of paints, lots of 1/4 imperial ‘rough’ finish paper, some bulldog clips, various pencils and pens including dip pens, Indian Ink, masking fluid, and last but not least, my four best watercolour brushes.

Why artists paint out doors

For acrylics, I’ll take lots of canvas boards, ready primed for use. Added to these are tubes of acrylic paints, palette knives, and a selection of brushes, I reserve only for acrylics. I’ll also need a stay-wet palette, spray bottle, texture gell and slow drying medium. Final kit includes, varnish, kitchen rolls, and an apron. I’m glad all this fits in the car. Some will travel by bus!

I’ll also take for the exhibition, some frames, and pre-cut mount boards, point gun to secure works in the frames, tapes, hanging cord, labels, and a screwdriver. Then of course, I’ll need a sun hat, sun cream, warm weather clothes, wet weather clothes, cold weather clothes, what have I forgotten, oh yes, smart clothes for the exhibition and the dinner, and a pocket camera and sketchbook. to record material for future use, including writing my next blog post!

Why do artists paint out doors. ?
my outdoor set up

I’m glad I’m not flying, and having to carry all that gear.

Do you paint with a group or in a class? It would be nice to hear your thoughts.

Why do artists paint out doors

in the open air?