Painting en plein air. It conjures dread and anticipation at the same time - at least for those of us who are neither experienced nor well equipped.
Planning for my first ever outing, I read lots of articles on plein air. How to dress (don't forget sunscreen and hat). What to take (keep it lightweight). What size painting (light moves fast so stay small). How to approach the actual painting (simplify and mass the big shapes). Don't forget the bug spray, umbrella and water.
My husband loaded my french easel (no, I don't have the modern, light tripod setup) and a cooler of water and lunch on our old-style metal luggage puller. An old backpack sufficed for holding paper, support, camera, cell phone and other can't-do-withouts. Pastels were snug inside the french easel drawer, and I was ready to go!
One could not ask for everything to be more perfect for a first-timer. The day was beautifully sunny, the wind just breezy enough. Elm Lake at Brazos Bend State Park held beauty in every direction, whether looking toward the water or back to the moss draped trees. I settled on the view overlooking the lake from the observation deck, next to Linda Dellandre (probably hoping some of her talent would flow my way!).
I was surprised how quickly the morning passed and how absorbed I actually was in the painting. And not tired! I don't know if this one trip will make a plein air painter out of this studio-only pastelist. But, surrounded by nature and the wonderful artist friends of Pastel Society of Southeast Texas, I can safely say it won't be the last.
The plein air painting ended with bold color and strong darks, creating an excellent underpainting for the completed studio painting of Elm Lake at Brazos.
And my old fashioned setup and gear? Worked just fine!
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