Painting from life, figures, still life or landscapes, is recommended by every art book, art magazine and art teacher, including me. I know that it is very difficult for many people to find the time to organize an outdoor trip and they hesitate to paint plein air because they do not know where to go. From my own experience here in Arkansas, I know that you can spend most of your time driving around looking for that perfect scene with a place to park.
The scenery here does not compare to the drama of the Colorado mountains or the glories of Santa Fe or California. Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma are a mix of city, farm land and forest with hills, rivers, lakes and creeks. Rural roads are appealing but are often narrow with 6 inch shoulders and deep ditches. Our landscapes are more intimate, more up-close and personal. While it's wonderful to have a painting trip to exotic places, we artist need to paint often and paint what we know, our own backyards.
I have a few favorite places that are wihin a one hour drive and always available -- State parks -- local parks -- city parks -- with parking and bathrooms near by. Important! Check out the parks in your area ahead of time and pick out some likely spots around town as you do your other daily driving so you have a place in mind before you head out to plein air. You just might find a wonderful and accessible place to paint.
Example!
On my way home from one of my favorite parks, I spotted a bit of water flashing through the trees and quickly turned into the parking lot of a restaurant to check it out. Their parking lot overlooks a finger of the Arkansas River, twisting around a point of land, trees with bits of land and hills in the background. I took a few photos and did thumb-nail sketches. This spot is only 15 minutes from my home, 5 minutes from a Super Wal-mart and I am just now finding it?? I have now painted there three times and plan to continue a series of the changing colors of fall. I have spoted a white egret, blue heron and a duck that dives for its dinner.
So no excuses get out there and paint en plein air and please remember that you do not have to hang this painting in your living room -- it is an experience and if the resulting painting is not up to your expectations, know that the next plein air painting will be better because of this experience. I'll be posting a few of these images on my web in the next week. Watch for it.
Enjoy the beauty that surrounds, and keep painting. Until next week. Pat
