Sandra & Durinda painting

*Portions of SLAC plein air statement used by permission form Plein Air Florida. 

SLAC believes that an authentic plein-air painting is done live, on location in front of the subject. It is begun on site and substantially completed while experiencing the landscape firsthand. More than one session may be required to complete it, and each of these should also be on location. Some minor adjustments can be done back in the studio, but not so much as to radically alter the work done on location.

The perception of the plein-air subject is dependent on the conditions encountered while on site, and the artist's response to these is usually evident in the finished painting. Plein-air paintings that follow this standard tend to have a quality that reflects the immediacy of the artist's interaction with the subject.

We have no preference as to style, materials used, or artistic interpretation. These are all personal choices that contribute to the unique expression of each artist while they paint en plein air. Likewise, we think honest work by novice or professional is equally valid. The challenges and rewards of plein-air painting are open to all.

SLAC encourages all artists to make plein air painting a part of their creative experience. We welcome anyone with a sincere interest to contact us or join the Yahoo Groups message board "art conference" to interact with other lady plein-air painters in the South to grow careers and promote plein-air painting.*

Plein Air Tips


Linda Blondheim,  Durinda Cheek, Diane Johnson and Bambi Setzer all set up for a painting en plein air at a pecan grove close to Warm Springs, Georgia
·
Pack light.
·
Wear comfortable clothes.
·
Remember bug spray and first aid kit.
·
Take a camera to use as a view finder.  Using the camera this way helps narrow the visual field helping you focus on a small segment of the landscape to paint.  Painting in the open air for the first time can be quite overwhelming because you want to paint everything.
·
Take plenty of drinking water and a snack.
·
Practice putting your equipment up and taking it down before your first adventure. Do some practice paintings in your backyard to get a feel for the differences in painting outside.
·
When painting, focus on the main elements of the scene leaving out the small details.  Work from a pre-toned canvas that you have prepared before you leave home to help speed painting progress. Get your darkest darks and lightest lights in first to establish the light source.  The light source will change quicker than you think so getting the shadows established quickly is essential.
·
Paint with a group or other individual for safety sake.
·
Be prepared to stop and talk with those that see you painting.  Have your business cards ready as well as brochures that show your completed work.  You never know when you will make another art friend or client.