Plein Air is a French term

which means painting “in open air”.

and more precisely, it means painting outside

while you’re looking at your subject.

I have followed many artists who just LOVE plein air painting,

but I’ve always painted from photos

in the safe, controlled environment of my art studio

(first that was my kitchen table and now it’s a repurposed extra bedroom:)

But with some nudges from other people,

I lugged my cumbersome easel

and all the necessary supplies out on location and tried it, and…

I loved it!

Ok, well, I don’t love the bug bite I got on Tuesday

that inflamed half my leg for the next 3 days,

or the unrelenting sun that chased me inside.

But I LOVE looking at my subjects in real life

(so to speak, as I’m usually painting buildings).

I love watching the shadows change,

I love being outside (with exceptions, as noted),

I love visiting with people passing by,

And I love my new easel!

Yes, I had to buy a plein air easel with watercolor palette…

I’m all about getting the right art supplies…

I may have an 18 year old van with automatic doors

that are no longer automatic,

but I’ve got some darn good art supplies.

I’ve been painting every day this week…

First my house and then my neighbor’s house… (see above).

Thanks for following along,

Linda