I'm a Dreamer

What does Plein Air Mean?
On the surface, that's a simple question. To paint outdoors.

What does Plein Air mean to ME?

Ultimate Joy!

Original Watercolor
6"X8" (SOLD)

And maybe that's why plein air has not only caught on in Southern California, where the weather is close to perfect, but all around the world! It's funny. I counted thousands of art clubs around the world, and thought that those numbers were impressive. Did you know that ALOT of art clubs now have a Plein Air Division?

What makes plein air painting so addictive. Well, if you are an outdoorsy person like me, you get to hike, explore and paint! Some plein air artists strap there paint box to there canoes and boats and paint as they meander down the river. Super-Cool!

I Have A Dream!
Can you imagine, spending 2 weeks camped at Yosemite. You wake up every morning, the sunrise is beautiful. For painters, that morning light bathes everything into gorgeous yellow hues that GLOW. Get your paint box out there, and paint for a couple of hours. After about 2 hours, that fabulous light and shadow show is gone. So now, it is time to go for a hike. Grab up your poles, camera, and lets go. There are meadows, and bison and waterfalls.

Everything is alive. It is refreshing for the spirit. You breathe in the smells. You've painted, which that's output, like exhaling. Now, you hike, you're inhaling. It is time to "refill your art tanks". That's balance to an artist. If you don't reenergize yourself, tonight, when that gorgeous sunset needs to be painted, you won't have it in you to paint.

I remember a couple of years ago, being camped out, in the middle of winter at the Grand Canyon. Not alot of hardy souls there. But, hey, it was so worth it. I wish I had pics. The snow, the deers walking by. The spiritual sense of the native Americans being there. The extreme colors/contrast that only winter could cause. Those warm canyon walls against that cold snow. Gorgeous!

Yes, the Grand Canyon in winter can be a deeply spiritual event.

Live, love and paint,

Terry