Plein Air Best Practices

• Posted on 24 June 2023
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Plein Air Painting, the act of creating art outdoors, offers artists a unique opportunity to capture the essence of nature and translate it onto their canvases. To fully immerse oneself in this artistic journey, it is essential to adopt best practices and utilize high-quality tools. This week, we explore some of the best practices in plein air painting, with a focus on the indispensable tools of the trade: W.A. Portman easels, Williamsburg oil paints, and DaVinci Maestro2 brushes for oil painting!

Choosing the Right Easel: W.A. Portman Easels

A sturdy and reliable easel is an essential component of plein air painting. W.A. Portman easels have long been revered by artists for their exceptional craftsmanship and versatility. These easels are known for their stability, adjustable height, and ease of transportation. They offer a wide range of options to suit different artistic needs, including the traditional French easel and an entire studio full of paints and brushes. Investing in a high-quality W.A. Portman easel will enhance your plein air painting experience by providing stability, convenience, and durability!

Capturing Vibrant Colors: Williamsburg Handmade Oil Paints

Williamsburg oil paints are renowned for their exceptional quality and rich, vibrant colors. These handcrafted paints are made in small batches using traditional techniques, ensuring the highest standards of pigmentation and lightfastness. The wide range of colors available allows artists to accurately represent the nuances of the natural world. Whether it's capturing the warm hues of a sunset or the cool tones of a tranquil landscape, Williamsburg oil paints offer a vast array of options to breathe life into your plein air paintings. Experimenting with their unique color palette will elevate your work to new levels of realism and depth.

Achieving Fine Detail: DaVinci Maestro2 Brushes for Oil Painting

The choice of brushes can significantly impact the outcome of your plein air paintings. DaVinci Maestro2 brushes are renowned for their exceptional quality and precision. These handmade brushes are crafted using the finest materials, such as Kolinsky sable hair, which provides superior paint absorption and release. The Maestro2 series offers a diverse selection of brush shapes and sizes, including rounds, flats, and filberts, enabling artists to achieve intricate details, smooth blends, and expressive brushstrokes. By investing in DaVinci Maestro2 brushes, you can unlock your artistic potential and create oil paintings with remarkable finesse.

Prioritizing Preparation and Organization

Plein air painting requires careful planning and organization to make the most of your outdoor painting sessions. Here are a few best practices to consider:

Scout the Location: Visit the location beforehand to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, lighting conditions, and potential subjects. This will help you plan your composition, make a list of your “must have” colors and brushes, and make the most of your painting time.

Simplify Your Palette: When painting outdoors, carrying a large palette can be cumbersome. Opt for a limited color palette that allows you to mix a wide range of hues. This approach promotes color harmony and simplifies the decision-making process.

Prepare Your Materials: Pack your art supplies thoughtfully, considering the essentials such as paints, brushes, palette knives, solvents, and a portable easel. Keep your materials organized and easily accessible, ensuring a smooth painting experience.

Plein air painting is a rewarding and immersive artistic practice. By adopting these best practices and utilizing high-quality tools such as W.A. Portman easels, Williamsburg oil paints, and DaVinci Maestro2 brushes, you can elevate your plein air painting experience and create artwork that beautifully captures the essence of nature and the tranquility of the great outdoors!