This plein air painting is the view toward the western mountains from a special spot near my home.
INSIDER INSIGHTS: Plein air painting requires a different mindset than studio painting. It is also made easier by utilizing different tools. The biggest difference is that plein air painting is done outdoors and more quickly than studio painting. I had prepared for this by scouting out the area and taking photos a couple of weeks prior to our planned date. I had reviewed the photos and done a tonal value sketch of the view I wanted to paint. When on site, I returned the my chosen spot and only drew a simple mountain outline to prepare for painting. The set-up was different because I painted on an easel with an small and adjustable support adequate for a 9x12" cotton watercolor paper block. I used a Da Vinci travel palette with 16 pans which I am familiar with. For brushes I used only three: a #8 Princeton round long, a 3/8" synthetic flat, and a Fuumuumi #10 reservoir brush with an extended point. Because of our very dry air here in Colorado, I used a mister (not a spray bottle) to keep the paper wet and the paint pans moist. It was also an essential tool to be able to wet and rewet certain areas of the painting itself. If you have further questions or are interested in purchasing this original painting or a print, contact the artist at 720 373-8671 or [email protected].
