When some people enjoy the outdoors it is usually because they are doing something. Hunting, fishing, sports, hiking, whatever. As a painter, I decided back in 2012 that I wanted to paint outside. I found out that such a thing was called plein air painting. It turned out that plein air was an incredible kind of painting where the artist sets up on location, paints the scene, and for competitions and the like--they are not allowed to return to the studio for touch ups and finishing touches.
I began my journey with oil paints, and I also taught myself how to use them. To be honest, it took a long time and many terrible paintings to get there. More importantly--the oil was messy. I got it on my clothes, in my car, in my hair, you name it. I did love the smell, though. I also loved the feeling of being out in the sun, learning and studying my surroundings, and having an intimate understanding of the beauty that surrounds all of us. I just happen to be located in Idaho, and the beauty abounds. A day outside painting gave me a sense of freedom and wholeness that I can't compare to any other feeling--it's purely magical.
Despite my love for plein air, I was given a great opportunity to work on illustrating and making comic books with a good friend. Together we built a fun little publishing business. I was lucky to enjoy some of the great outdoors while trying to do comics pages, but it was not the same. After about six years, I took a hiatus from plein air. Finally, I decided to return after doing much soul-searching but this time--with watercolor!
My newest leg of the plein air journey began here, at Celebration Park outside of Melba, Idaho. January 19, 2020. It was cold, but I bundled up and took out my Sakura Koi watercolor half pan travel set (which I received second hand from an acquaintance). I used a single Pentel Aquash water brush. Learning how to navigate new-ish tools and working plein air in the cold was exhilarating! It was sunset, which always means I have to start painting fast because time is limited with the light. It felt incredible to get back to plein air!
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