Nothing Plain about Plein Air

June is officially "Plein Air Month" at Gwartzman's Art Supplies, and we are excited to delve deeper into the benefits that plein air painting offers. During our Toronto Spadina store renovation, we're unveiling a range of new plein air kits that make painting outdoors easier and more enjoyable than ever. We want to encourage young artists to embrace the outdoors and explore their creative pursuits amidst nature.

Discover the Joys and Benefits of Painting Outdoors with Gwartzman’s Art Supplies

Painting outdoors, or en plein air, transforms art creation into a refreshing experience for both beginners and seasoned artists. In our last blog on plein air, we introduced a brief history of plein air painting and highlighted some essential items to get you started. Now, with longer and warmer days upon us, taking your art outside can provide renewed inspiration and a fresh perspective on your creative process.

Let’s step outside and discover the new adventures that plein air painting can offer.

Benefits of painting en plein air

Painting en plein air offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

Health and Creativity

Engaging in outdoor painting combines creativity with an active lifestyle, allowing artists to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. This combination can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. The act of setting up an easel, moving around to find the perfect spot, and spending time in nature promotes a more dynamic and healthful approach to creating art.

Accuracy in Light and Colours

One of the most significant advantages of plein air painting is the opportunity to capture a more accurate depiction of colours. Natural light provides a richness and vibrancy that artificial lighting simply cannot replicate. This is particularly beneficial for still life and landscape painting, where the subtle shifts in sunlight and shadow play a crucial role in rendering objects with realism and depth. Observing how sunlight affects objects throughout the day allows artists to develop a keener eye for colours, light, and contrast, enhancing their overall technique.

Renewed Inspiration

Moreover, painting outdoors can be a profound source of renewed inspiration. The ever-changing environment stimulates creativity, offering a variety of scenes, textures, and atmospheres to explore. Whether it's the play of light through leaves, the reflection on water, or the movement of clouds, being outside provides endless opportunities for artistic discovery. This connection with nature not only refreshes the artist’s perspective but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the world around them, ultimately enriching their artistic expression.

Challenges of Painting Outside

There’s a reason why Claude Monet loved painting en plein air. However, embracing the elements can be challenging for new artists. Here are certain clouds that can put a damper on painting outside.

Weather

One of the primary difficulties is dealing with the unpredictability of weather. Sudden changes in temperature, wind, or rain can disrupt a painting session and affect the materials.

Outdoor Setup

Additionally, setting up an outdoor workspace requires more preparation and equipment compared to painting indoors. Artists must find suitable locations, transport their supplies, and manage with less stable surfaces for their canvases and palettes.

Changing Scenery

The outdoors are ever changing. Another challenge is the complexity of capturing a constantly changing scene. Light conditions can shift rapidly as the sun moves, making it hard to maintain consistent lighting and shadows in a painting. Young artists might also struggle with distractions such as onlookers, insects, and varying terrain.

These factors can make it difficult to focus and complete a piece. However, with the right tools and preparation, these challenges can be mitigated, allowing young artists to fully enjoy and benefit from the plein air painting experience.

Gwartzman’s Plein Air Painting Survival Kits

When it comes to plein air painting, having the right tools can transform challenges into painting adventures. Here are some top items from Gwartzman’s that will enhance your plein air experience:

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours - Dot Card Set - Confetti

Bright, cheerful, and perfectly portable, the Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours Dot Card Set is a delightful way to dive into watercolours painting. The set also includes painting tips and inspiring quotes on the back of each card. Watercolours are particularly great for plein air painting due to their lightweight nature and ease of use, making them ideal for capturing the changing light and atmosphere of outdoor scenes.

Etchr - Field Case

Designed for the artist on the go, the Etchr Field Case is perfect for travelling from sea to summit. On the exterior you'll find a storage pouch, belt loops, YYK zippers, and loops for the included carry strap; inside are a plethora of straps and pouches.

Etchr - Slate Mini Satchel

Meet the ultimate plein air companion: Etchr’s Slate Mini Satchel. Specifically designed by Etchr for outdoor painting, a key highlight of this satchel is the built-in mount point. Giving the artist on the go a cost-effective and versatile slate to paint their outdoor visions to life.

Viviva x Gwartzmans Watercolour Sheets - 16 Colours

A Gwartzman’s collaboration with Viviva has produced one of the most compact sketch pads on the market. These colour sheets are designed for the artist on the go. This watercolour is a small book with individual sheets of colour that you can pick up with a wet brush. Surprisingly brilliant in colour which mix wonderfully.

New Wave u.go Plein Air Acrylic Palette

Compact and efficient, the u.go Plein Air Acrylic Palette is designed to fit perfectly inside the Anywhere Pochade Box. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, and it can handle oil paints with ease, making it a versatile addition to your plein air kit.

Ampersand Aquabord

If you've ever had a stretched canvas act like a sail in the wind, consider switching to Ampersand Aquabord panels. Made from archival, warp-resistant hardboard and featuring Ampersand's Archiva-Seal anti-yellowing barrier, these boards are ideal for plein air painting and display. The solid structure of Aquabord panels ensures your art stays put, even in breezy conditions.