Finding conviction in Painting Plein Air or Open Studio for begginers

"End of the Line"

  Allis Chalmers Tractor

Alpine Groves Park

Fruit Cove, Florida

12" X 12"

Oil on Canvas

The excitement in plein air painting or open studio painting is you can observe the great outdoors, nature, historical buildings and monuments. . 

1. My recommendation to anyone who is starting a plein air painting is to first consider marking off in pencil three equal sections horizontal and three equal sections on thee surface you are ready to paint on. 

2. Make a small investment into a precut piece matboard. This can be used in determining the right composition and also block out any unnecessary elements in your compositions. It will assist you in determine the area you would like to concentrate on while painting. 

 3. Begin with fast sketches in assisting with your composition. Landscapes and plein air can appear to be overwhelming.  There are so many approaches in plein air techniques.  You just need to spend time practicing and looking st old master drawings. This is your opportunity to offer something you would like to say to the viewer. Think about what you would prefer the viewer to know.   

4. Not to over think your ideas. 

Ideas are plentiful. The choice is which one would you prefer to go with. 

A sketchbook may assist you in determining which idea you prefer.  The sketches do not not need to be elaborate.  They sketches just map out the ideas in which you prefer. 

My recommendation to every beginner is to start with a sketchbook and a pencil.  Jot down between 10 to 12 ideas of subjects you like to paint and draw. Make sure it is not more or less then the number I recommended. Out of the 10 to 12 ideas you maybe able to find a connection in between one notation to another. I believe you will find your story through your notes.