These paintings reflect experiences in several countries. I always carry a small journal with a pen and watercolors, but travel is also an perfect opportunity to capture new locations with oil paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plein air painting?
Plein air painting is the act of painting outdoors, directly from the subject, in order to capture natural light, colors, and the feeling of the moment. The pictures have a different feeling than studio art.
What materials do you use?
For Plein air or studio art, I use high-quality oil paints and archival materials to ensure the longevity and preservation of the images in your home. I prefer smooth surfaces like linen for paint while pastels are drawn on specialty sanded papers. All my brushes are ‘Rosemarys’, hand made in England.
Pictures of fruit or flowers are always painted from life, I find working from pictures to be difficult!
Do you paint only outdoors?
While landscapes are a common subject for Plein air painting, I also enjoy painting still life, house portraits, toys, and commissions indoors during winter.
How do you capture the weather?
Capturing the weather and feeling of the day is an important aspect of my Plein Air paintings. I have to observe changing light, moving shadows, weather patterns, colors as the day progresses. Memory helps as shadows and colors change with the sun.
What countries have I painted in?
Canada, Cuba, England, India, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, and Wales. Each location provided unique challenges and surprises.