12/04/2007 12:45:56

Hi Paintswithstick,  Yes I agree about the solitude and getting in the  zone in the studio,  and there are things that would make one tend to shun working out of doors,  like bug (yech) lol.  You do quite well from the studio.    Unfortunatley,  I have nothing to compare studio painting to since I've never done plein aire so far.   So I would like to try my hand at it,  at least once .   I may love it,  and I may not love it.  Who knows.   But at least i'll be able to make a well rounded decision about it, having done it.   

I do have a problem which you speak of having to do with being distracted easily,  so I guess I'll see what transpires for me.

12/04/2007 07:10:14

I prefer painting in the studio; I need to get into right brain mode - to hear that "click" of the latch to another dimension.  Too many interruptions outdoors and people are the biggest then there is the wind, and dragging out my supplies and getting the work home without damage.

However, I don't get out as much as I would like.  I make it a point to hike with my camera.  This way, it is just me and creation. I can take in the smells and sounds, pause to study the movement of the wind and feel  it on my face.  I admire those who paint plain air but we are each different and my thing is the solitude of it all.

12/03/2007 18:37:58

Hi sm,   yeah,  plein aire seems so much closer to nature and in tune with your subject.  I can sense the out of doors beckoning me.   I already have a field easel in anticipation.  

12/03/2007 09:44:11

Hi- you should try try the plein air thing. You may find that you like it. A lot of people who try it fall in love with the process of painting out of doors.

 A few years ago I went out to paint with and artist friend of mine here in Texas. I borrowed and extra easel that belonged to his dad. From the first time I went out I loved it. I bought a french easel, but straps on it so I could carry in on my back and I  have been going out since 2001 whenever I can. I have found it to be a great time of worship, praising God for His creation, the awesome beauty He has made for us to enjoy.

I don't get out as much as I would like to, but when I do it is really fun. I don't worry much about dirt, bugs, rattlesnakes (I've seen a few). Those things make it more of an adventure. Once I was painting in Bosque county, Texas on a summer evening. I heard a little noise, like something running over the rocky ground. I looked up and a little cute lizzard came running up to where my easel was set up. He cocked his head sideways, sat there a few seconds, trying to figure out why I was on his property. Then he went on about his business. His business was eating... A few minutes later he came running back, in hot pursuit of a grasshopper, which he caught and devoured a few feet from my easel.

sm