Plein Air

“Plein air” is a French term for painting in the open air.  The Impressionist artists started to go outside to paint when paint tubes were invented.

It is the most honest way to paint.  A direct reaction to what you see.  You are in the moment with sun and wind and bugs, and have to paint fast to capture what is in front of you.  There is no time to plan or intellectualise too much.  You have to respond quickly, getting to the essence before the light changes.

I find it the biggest challenge.  Not to get bogged down with details, but to translate the moment in time as truthfully as possible.

It gives me a feeling of total freedom.  The most challenging as well as the most exhilarating experience possible.