Aquarelle en plein air, also known as live painting, is the artistic practice of painting with watercolors outdoors, directly on the motif. It’s a dynamic and rewarding experience that allows artists to capture the essence of a landscape, urban scene or other outdoor subject. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
– Choose your equipment carefully: When painting en plein air, it’s essential to choose a portable and practical set of equipment. Opt for a compact paint box with a detachable palette, brushes of various sizes suitable for watercolor, watercolor cups or tubes that you can pre-fill, and a sketchbook or watercolor sheets of suitable size. Make sure you also have water containers, tissues, paper clips and clips to secure your sheets.
– Prepare your composition and subject: Before you start painting, take time to choose your subject and compose your scene. Observe your surroundings carefully and look for elements that interest you, such as light effects, contrasts, patterns or textures. Experiment with different angles of view and frame your composition to create an attractive, balanced setting.
– Capture the moment quickly: Watercolor plein air is characterized by its spontaneity and ability to capture the moment. Once you’ve decided on your composition, try to work quickly to capture the nuances of light and shadow that can change rapidly outdoors. Use quick, confident brushstrokes to capture contours and shapes expressively.
– Master layering and shading techniques: Layering and shading techniques are essential for creating depth, light and texture in your plein air painting. Use light washes to lay down the first layers of color, then gradually add thicker layers to intensify values and details. Experiment with subtle gradations to represent variations in light and shadow in your scene.
– Play with transparency and whites: Watercolor is known for its transparency and ability to capture the brightness and luminosity of light. Experiment with the transparency of colors by layering washes to create effects of depth and translucency. Also leave white areas of your watercolor paper to represent reflections of bright light or to suggest fine details.
– Be observant and reactive.
– Dealing with plein air constraints: When you’re painting en plein air, you have to deal with certain constraints such as changing light, weather conditions, subject movement and even the curious glances of passers-by. Learn to adapt to these challenges by staying focused and developing quick techniques to capture the essence of your subject. Be ready to make quick sketches or take photos to help you finalize your work if necessary.
– Experiment with textures: Textures are an important element of plein-air painting, as they add life and dimension to your work. Experiment with different techniques to create interesting textures, such as using sponges, scrapers, salt or water sprayers to achieve granulation or diffusion effects. Play with different surfaces you may encounter outdoors, such as tree bark, stones or water, to add variety and visual interest to your painting.
– Know when to finish: When painting en plein air, it’s important to know when to stop and consider your work finished. Since you’re working quickly and conditions can change rapidly, it’s easy to get carried away and overload your painting. Step back regularly to evaluate your work and decide when you’ve captured the essence of your subject. Sometimes, a few well-placed brushstrokes are all it takes to create a finished effect without losing the spontaneity of your painting.
– Practice regularly and explore new places: plein air painting improves with regular practice. Look for opportunities to get out and explore new places, whether in nature, busy streets or picturesque gardens. Each new experience will help you develop your sensitivity to light, color and texture, and refine your plein-air technique.
Watercolor plein air is an enriching experience that allows you to connect directly with nature and your subject. By following these tips, you’ll be able to capture the moment on the spot and create vibrant plein-air paintings full of energy and emotion. Don’t be afraid to venture outdoors, explore new places and let the beauty of the world inspire your creativity.
> You can find more techniques and tips here: https://maritounettedessin.fr/en/news/
