What are Plein Air Paintings?
Unlike any other painting technique, painting en plein air (in the open air) challenges artists to concentrate every sensory nerve on the scenery that surrounds them. Sight, sound, temperature, atmosphere and feelings all must be absorbed and then transferred from head to hand; from open air to artist's canvas.
The origins of painting from life are traced back to 19-th century Europe. An Englishman by the name of John Constable believed it important that artists forget about formulas and trust their own visions when trying to capture nature. In order to fully embrace nature, he made sketches outdoors, and then elaborated on them in the studio.
Painting en plein air would forever change how we see the world. The goal is to capture the light and colours specific to the place.
Today, painting from life is a pursuit that continues to challenge the finest artists.