I am a self-taught artist and I just love to paint plein air! 

I started painting at an early age using photos for reference. In 1993, I met John Stobart, a world-renowned marine artist, and he advised me to paint on site (plein air).  He also said that nature was our best teacher. 

Since that time I truly enjoy plein air painting but I also do studio paintings using my photos and plein air studies.

My suggestions are not new but I thought I would provide you with some simple advice that I either learned over the years, or information I received directly from artists or by reading instruction books and watching videos.

Learn How to Draw.  Anyone who aspires to be an artist needs to learn how to draw which is the first step.  Be sure to draw from life - start by looking at nature, or even if you enjoy drawing figures - find the simple basic shapes.  Then continue to practice.  This comment was added based on a comment I received on this blog from Michael Dalto.  Drawing is certainly #1.  Thank you Michael!

Learn how to Mix Colors. Most aspiring artists do not want to take the time to learn how to mix colors – they just want to “get to the good stuff”.  But learning how to mix colors is essential. 

Use a limited palette.  If you use too many colors, you may not remember how you mixed the color and you will have difficulty matching the color again. Remember, the basic primaries – yellow, red and blue, are all that is needed to create a harmonious painting.  

Practice mixing grays. Premixing a cool and warm gray using your 3 primaries can speed up the painting process when working outdoors. After you complete a painting, scrape off the excess paint on your palette and store it in plastic containers to reuse for “grays”. 

Don’t be skimpy with your paint. If you use lots of paint, it is easier to manipulate the paint on your canvas. 

Don’t overmix paint on your palette or on the canvas. Lay the paint down with one brushstroke, and if possible, leave it alone. A palette knife can also be useful and be sure to vary your brushstrokes.

Use quality paint and brushes.  Generally I only use one brush – a bristle bright. As a beginner, you can use a panel board (usually sold in quantities of 3), which can be purchased at your local art supply store. Use a panel board no larger than 8 x 10 (smaller would be better). Once you start “selling” professionally, you should always use quality canvas and/or panel. I use a variety of linen stretched canvas or linen on panel.

Purchase an Easel that Suits your Needs. You will need a good easel and there are many to choose from. Do a Google search for “plein air easels” or go to your local art supply store.

Start Simple – do a still life with one piece of fruit on a picnic table or paint a tree or some flowers.  Keep the composition simple.

Pick a Subject Matter that Interests You and then paint it over and over again. I have done 6 plein air paintings of my neighbor’s home and am sure I will paint it again. Most of those paintings were for study purposes, however, “Neighbor (March)”,which is featured on this blog, received an award.   

Don’t Worry about Making Mistakes – even the Masters had plenty of unfinished paintings. 

Get enthusiastic and Happy Painting!
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 Myrtle @ Twilight
 
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