How To Create a Vibrant Plein-Air Painting: With A Smile on Your Face!

Marsha Masseau

Some landowners act like the media has descended to cover a sensational news story — on their property no less! They’ll call over the neighbours, and together observe and offer commentary,

“Yup, I always thought they were a handsome cluster of oaks, if I were a painter, I would paint them,” a neighbour will say.  

Through several catastrophic failures at plein-air painting, I’ve learned that there’s a fine art to it. One simply doesn’t find the ideal vista or perfect weather conditions all at once. The French Impressionists began their masterpieces en-plein-air; art history books describe their method as capturing the light. Because of this, I kept hauling my gear out to green fields. Although, I confess I found the process to be: un gross maux de tête! The problem? I had been idealizing the process, believing that all I needed was a brush, a canvas and a creative mind. Wrong. What I needed was a strategy. 

To save you the headache of getting paint on your car seats, being bitten alive by mosquitos and needing to pee with no washroom for miles: here are some things my failures have taught me. 

First, lower the bar. That’s right; keep your expectations nice and low — it’s unlikely you will drive home with a masterpiece in your trunk, so let’s take the pressure off from the start. Now before we go any further, understand that pre-planning is your friend. Spend some time scouting for locations that have the type of scenery that speaks to your soul, and have access to shade and a washroom if you intend to be out for more than a couple hours.

Keep in mind, if the perfect vignette is on private property, you’ll need permission to loiter. That said, expect an audience when stationed on private land. Curiosity is human nature. Some landowners act like the media has descended to cover a sensational news story — on their property no less! They’ll call over the neighbours, and together observe and offer commentary,

“Yup, I always thought they were a handsome cluster of oaks, if I were a painter, I would paint them,” a neighbour will say.  

“You know who would be a good painter? Bill. I bet that guy would be a natural,” another will add. Some painters don’t mind background chatter. Personally, I prefer the music of crickets. So, know yourself. It will save you from being set up near the loveliest oak grove freshly touched by October’s paintbox to find your mind can’t function creatively with an audience. 

Next, prepare your kit: Think ahead to the terrain, the weather on your chosen day, how long you intend to spend on location, the style of painting you’ll do, and how you will travel there. If you are commuting by foot, pack a sturdy daypack. If you are getting around by bicycle or vehicle, you’ll have ample space to carry supplies for contingencies. 

Canvas panels or primed boards sized 9”x11” to 16”x20” are ideal for field sketches in — acrylics or oils — because they are inexpensive, as well as puncture-proof. Include three of your favourite brushes — reliable ones. Keep your paint selection minimalist: primary colours in both warm and cool temperatures and a few earth tones should be sufficient. One good palette knife, a rag or two, and a mixing surface will do. 

Also, a portable windproof easel -the type with wide-spread adjustable legs is a worthy investment. Nothing is as deflating as having one’s embryonic masterpiece blown off a hill in an unexpected gust of wind. 

After you have packed your chosen art supplies, please add to your kit these essentials: snacks, drinking water, toilet paper, bug spray, sunscreen and sun hat, lip balm, a couple of plastic bags, binoculars, and anything else you think will be useful.

The point is, have what you need to do the creative work and tend to a few creature comforts and safety as well. Keep your mind focused on the experience and worry less about how well the painting turns out. Plein-air paintings can be the inspiration for more developed studio pieces in the future or enjoyed for the time outdoors. Don’t just spend the day en-plein-air — make a day of it!