Go Outside

I am mostly an indoor painter with occasional bursts of ambition that drive me to venture outside for a session of plein air painting.  That being said, I recommend that everyone go outside at least once a day for a few minutes.  I believe that we, as all other creatures, thrive on and need the outdoors.

 

Step outside to feel the breeze on your skin.  Watch clouds and their shadows glide by.  Notice the sound of leaves rustling and birds singing.  Observe the enormous variety of color and texture surrounding you.  See if there are signs of a new season.  Smell heat, oncoming rain, fresh mown grass, white gardenias.  It is a renewing sensation that cannot occur in a climate controlled environment.

 

For a painter, the outside is full of challenges both good and bad.  Wind threatens the easel set up.  Bugs get stuck in the paint.  Extreme temperatures (most definitely in coastal Alabama) make it miserable or impossible from time to time.  Lighting conditions changes so rapidly that trying to work more than 45 minutes on one painting is fool hardy at best.  But, ah joy, if one is quick enough to capture a fleeting view fresh on the canvas!  A better artist is made at that moment.

So go outside.

Mona Vivar, "Spring Ambition", 20 inches by 16 inches, acrylic on canvas, painted plein air
Collection the artist

Image copyright of Mona Vivar 2013