In my own opinion I often think people make a bigger deal out of plein air than they need to. I personally don't think that you need to come away with a finished painting that makes you go 'wow' . I think if you're coming away from the day with a better idea of colours, values or the feeling of a place then you've done well, and anything more is just a great bonus. Great video BTW Eric!
Plein air is useful for observing colour intently, which photographs tend to flatten. Trying to paint watercolour is practially a non starter. It's either too hot, too windy, raining, the list goes on. The last time I attempted to paint outside the paint dried virtually as soon as my paintbrush touched the paper. I find it best to sketch, make colour notes, take a photo and together with your memory of the scene complete a painting inside, where the environment and light remain constant and optimum. Love your videos Eric...
Can’t tell you how much I love this video. Great advice and clearly no shame for people who don’t like doing it. I really hate all those artists who say “if you don’t paint en plain air, you’re not a real artist”.
yes, I understand, Plein Air wasn't as popular until Monet and artists in that era started to do that. But there are many great artists before that. I definitely see the benefit of painting plein air, but will never say people who don't paint plein air not real artist :)
I just tried my first plein air painting and it did not go well. Thank you for your tips and hints. You've encouraged me to try again. Thank you for your great video. I learned a lot!
I recently started watercolor and with zero experience but a huge curiosity I decided to go for it. I mostly paint indoors but thought to try painting outside today. I found no matter what I tried the sun was really bright. Not even an oversized hat helped. It made it extremely difficult to see my painting and details of the flower I was painting. could never seem to keep my paints wet in the palette after the initial spritz. So I guess it made it really easy for me to do dry on dry. 😂 Water was definitely something I fought the whole time.
I love working en Plein air because it gets me outdoors and is less lonely than working in my studio. To me it is the “sport” of art - can I achieve the zen stage of concentration I need in spite of people, insects, and weather. I agree it’s not for everyone though. Thanks for another great video.
I'm just starting my plein air journey and having fun . Thanks for the tips on simplifying. I find myself chasing shadows so doing the value study is my next exercise.
Lol like youtube found 10 videos for Asian-Pacific pride and this is what they found? No disrespect to YOUR video but fuck they really picked you just because the way you look. Is that right?
You? Struggles and challenges? Surely you a joshing me?!? Goes a paintin and what do you draw? Wimmens! Didn't try to beat them of with a brush, did you? 😉 Great vid as usual. Always learn something. I'm doing a commission of a grizzly. In my studio cause I don't think plein air and grizzlies mix real well. Hmm. Come to think about it...I donk want a grizz in my cracker box studio either.
Haha I think I had enough exposure for that. I didn't claim anything new. People already know most of these. I shared my experience and it was overall really good and people are hard at work 🙂
Great video as always Eric! I'd love to try painting plein-air again, I would have to change my process a bit though! I'm a painter that uses tons of glazes and I paint very very wet, so....the scene would change on me way too quickly. It typically takes me 8 -10 hours to finish an average size painting.
Lots of great tips here. I would also add that driving around and exploring suitable locations is a must first otherwise you get all your equipment together and then waste so much time trying to find a good scene to paint. Also early morning or late afternoon works better for me as it’s easier to work and you you have stronger shadows.
Plein air. Yikes!! The changing scene, the wind, the sun, people watching - groan. Your painting was a success Eric and you understand the challenges. I’ll choose a secluded place with no wind and a clear sky........or take a photo. 😆
Love your videos and I find your voice to be soothing! I’ve been shying away from plein air due to heat and bugs! Haha! I’m a wimp! I AM determined to get out there, though. I’d love to see a video of your revised plein air set up if you change it. Glad to see you do a value study, even outdoors. Thanks, Eric, for blessing us with your knowledge!
Great picture though eric. I though it came very well. Also u have to find the right compositions dont you because...sometimes when painting from photos they are much easier to quickly capture everything then take them home to paint
I started with nature journals. Still dont like having someone looking over my shoulder...your set up is sooo artsy looking..very professional...beautiful work.
Really Good advice about not judging against the actual scene. Also a Good reminder to stick with the process of a value study -it's worth the time! Thanks Eric.
I don’t always do value studies I admit but I squint and use photos because I change things a lot. I enjoyed your tips and grouping shapes. It is very lovely and meant not to torture us but to journal a lovely moment in time. Thanks Eric.
A nice look at plein air painting, and you captured several of the major steps along the way which is very helpful. I agree that it is something worth trying, but not beating oneself up over. Thanks for all of your videos. You are an inspiration for me to keep working at it.
I hesitated to watch this because I’m so bad at plein air , it’s a disaster for me , I’m a beginner watercolor painter , 3 yrs , I’m doing better in general but plein air overwhelms me so much , thank you for mentioning that it’s hard even for you , I don’t feel so bad and your painting turned out beautiful xoxo
So I was at my mom's house for an outdoor gathering. I always bring my paint and supplies everywhere I go, however this was my first outdoor experience. It was the middle of the day, and kind of warm for ohio in early may. I found that my washes were drying extremely fast. So much so that it caught me off guard, causing a few unwanted hard edges. It just wasn't an enjoyable experience. I wasn't in the sun, but I was using qor on boahong paper. I'm wondering if I used a honey based watercolor if that would make it easier to paint outside at anytime. I was also not painting an outdoor subject. I was finishing a photo reference.
@@Cafewatercolor oh yes, I need to remember that handy little spray bottle idea that I've seen you talk about in earlier videos. Thank you so much for the replying. I've never been a superfan of anyone or anything, but I've said it before I am absolutely amazed with your talent for teaching and sharing what you know, and your work is beautiful.This is by far my favorite youtube channel. I'm gonna go watch another video of yours now😊
Instead of choosing different paint, you could also try thicker paper, also wetting the back, and sticking the paper to a non-porous board, so that the water cannot evaporats via the back. You can also try to find ways to plan your painting in (smaller) parts.
In my own opinion I often think people make a bigger deal out of plein air than they need to. I personally don't think that you need to come away with a finished painting that makes you go 'wow' . I think if you're coming away from the day with a better idea of colours, values or the feeling of a place then you've done well, and anything more is just a great bonus. Great video BTW Eric!
Agreed!
Plein air is useful for observing colour intently, which photographs tend to flatten. Trying to paint watercolour is practially a non starter. It's either too hot, too windy, raining, the list goes on. The last time I attempted to paint outside the paint dried virtually as soon as my paintbrush touched the paper. I find it best to sketch, make colour notes, take a photo and together with your memory of the scene complete a painting inside, where the environment and light remain constant and optimum. Love your videos Eric...
Can’t tell you how much I love this video. Great advice and clearly no shame for people who don’t like doing it. I really hate all those artists who say “if you don’t paint en plain air, you’re not a real artist”.
yes, I understand, Plein Air wasn't as popular until Monet and artists in that era started to do that. But there are many great artists before that.
I definitely see the benefit of painting plein air, but will never say people who don't paint plein air not real artist :)
I just tried my first plein air painting and it did not go well. Thank you for your tips and hints. You've encouraged me to try again. Thank you for your great video. I learned a lot!
I recently started watercolor and with zero experience but a huge curiosity I decided to go for it. I mostly paint indoors but thought to try painting outside today. I found no matter what I tried the sun was really bright. Not even an oversized hat helped. It made it extremely difficult to see my painting and details of the flower I was painting. could never seem to keep my paints wet in the palette after the initial spritz. So I guess it made it really easy for me to do dry on dry. 😂 Water was definitely something I fought the whole time.
I agree that plein air is a struggle. Thank you for sharing.
I love your painting
I love working en Plein air because it gets me outdoors and is less lonely than working in my studio. To me it is the “sport” of art - can I achieve the zen stage of concentration I need in spite of people, insects, and weather. I agree it’s not for everyone though. Thanks for another great video.
Great video. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for the brilliant tips, high appreciation for you, hope you are always healthy.
Thank you Eric.
I'm just starting my plein air journey and having fun . Thanks for the tips on simplifying. I find myself chasing shadows so doing the value study is my next exercise.
Fabulous! Very helpful and I feel exactly the same…now heading out to our woods!
Thank you Eric, this was very helpful
Love your tips. Plein Air is challenging for me.
Karya seni yang bagus,saya suka sekali👍🙏
Love it !
I would like to try painting plein air, but still think it a bit intimidating...
Good tips.
Lol like youtube found 10 videos for Asian-Pacific pride and this is what they found? No disrespect to YOUR video but fuck they really picked you just because the way you look. Is that right?
Where is your plein air box from? Maybe I missed it?
You? Struggles and challenges? Surely you a joshing me?!? Goes a paintin and what do you draw? Wimmens! Didn't try to beat them of with a brush, did you? 😉
Great vid as usual. Always learn something.
I'm doing a commission of a grizzly. In my studio cause I don't think plein air and grizzlies mix real well. Hmm. Come to think about it...I donk want a grizz in my cracker box studio either.
Can you make a video on your Halo Infinite thoughts? Are your last claims all true?
Haha I think I had enough exposure for that. I didn't claim anything new. People already know most of these. I shared my experience and it was overall really good and people are hard at work 🙂
@@Cafewatercolor Thanks for the answer sir. Really appreciated.
why do you look so scared!? who is making you say these things?
💀lol
I actually married a passer by
Great video as always Eric! I'd love to try painting plein-air again, I would have to change my process a bit though! I'm a painter that uses tons of glazes and I paint very very wet, so....the scene would change on me way too quickly. It typically takes me 8 -10 hours to finish an average size painting.
This is sooo amazing! Beautiful artwork, I Absolutely love it!!! 👀👀👀
Hi! Great to see another watercolor Artist in Washington! I will say I if I bump into you while painting.👋
Regardless of the various difficulties; your perseverance and efforts created a wonderful painting! Great work Eric!🤩👍🏻
Thank you for your video.
Wonderful!
Lots of great tips here. I would also add that driving around and exploring suitable locations is a must first otherwise you get all your equipment together and then waste so much time trying to find a good scene to paint.
Also early morning or late afternoon works better for me as it’s easier to work and you you have stronger shadows.
This is so helpful and well organized! I've been planning on trying some plein air painting soon, and this came at just the right time!
Plein air is so much fun. I struggle with wind knocking my setup over on most days.
what does "live value" mean?
Light value
Plein air. Yikes!! The changing scene, the wind, the sun, people watching - groan. Your painting was a success Eric and you understand the challenges. I’ll choose a secluded place with no wind and a clear sky........or take a photo. 😆
Thanks Eric
Love your videos and I find your voice to be soothing!
I’ve been shying away from plein air due to heat and bugs! Haha! I’m a wimp! I AM determined to get out there, though.
I’d love to see a video of your revised plein air set up if you change it. Glad to see you do a value study, even outdoors.
Thanks, Eric, for blessing us with your knowledge!
Great picture though eric. I though it came very well. Also u have to find the right compositions dont you because...sometimes when painting from photos they are much easier to quickly capture everything then take them home to paint
This is probably one the most helpful channels on watercolor that I have found on YT. Thank you so much for these tips, I'm gonna try them today :)
I started with nature journals. Still dont like having someone looking over my shoulder...your set up is sooo artsy looking..very professional...beautiful work.
Really Good advice about not judging against the actual scene. Also a Good reminder to stick with the process of a value study -it's worth the time! Thanks Eric.
I don’t always do value studies I admit but I squint and use photos because I change things a lot. I enjoyed your tips and grouping shapes. It is very lovely and meant not to torture us but to journal a lovely moment in time. Thanks Eric.
Another great and helpful video, I can't believe how much useful advice you packed in. I love how honest you are, and your work is awesome :)
A nice look at plein air painting, and you captured several of the major steps along the way which is very helpful. I agree that it is something worth trying, but not beating oneself up over. Thanks for all of your videos. You are an inspiration for me to keep working at it.
Hi👋👋👋👋
Eric, thanks so much for your great tips and being personal with us. I'll just keep working at it
Starting a plein air course in 2 weeks with Brienne Brown…a first for me…thank you, Eric, for this introduction!
Thanks Eric! Very helpful.
great advice Eric thst has really resonated with me 👍👍
Always helps and is so appealing
So true. Can’t compete with the real scene.
This is great. I’m going to try using watercolor plein aire.
Thank you. I love your tips.
Very nice! I love how you simplified the scene.
I hesitated to watch this because I’m so bad at plein air , it’s a disaster for me , I’m a beginner watercolor painter , 3 yrs , I’m doing better in general but plein air overwhelms me so much , thank you for mentioning that it’s hard even for you , I don’t feel so bad and your painting turned out beautiful xoxo
Yes it always feel like a test... and I'm a bad test taker (failed driving test twice because I was so nervous) 🤣
Thanks for the tips!!!
Thank you.
So I was at my mom's house for an outdoor gathering. I always bring my paint and supplies everywhere I go, however this was my first outdoor experience. It was the middle of the day, and kind of warm for ohio in early may. I found that my washes were drying extremely fast. So much so that it caught me off guard, causing a few unwanted hard edges. It just wasn't an enjoyable experience. I wasn't in the sun, but I was using qor on boahong paper. I'm wondering if I used a honey based watercolor if that would make it easier to paint outside at anytime. I was also not painting an outdoor subject. I was finishing a photo reference.
Outside weather will effect the paint. I did brought my spray bottle to keep the wash moist longer.
@@Cafewatercolor oh yes, I need to remember that handy little spray bottle idea that I've seen you talk about in earlier videos. Thank you so much for the replying. I've never been a superfan of anyone or anything, but I've said it before I am absolutely amazed with your talent for teaching and sharing what you know, and your work is beautiful.This is by far my favorite youtube channel. I'm gonna go watch another video of yours now😊
Instead of choosing different paint, you could also try thicker paper, also wetting the back, and sticking the paper to a non-porous board, so that the water cannot evaporats via the back. You can also try to find ways to plan your painting in (smaller) parts.
I enjoy your narration of the painting you are doing and also your paintings and value studies. I’ve am learning a lot from your videos