How To Turn a Plein Air Sketch Into a Studio Painting

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One of the best things about being an artist is that you can paint wherever and whenever you want. All you need is a canvas, some paints, and a brush, and you’re good to go.

What is outdoor sketching called?

Outdoor sketching is a great way to express yourself and take in the world around you!

It’s commonly referred to as plein air painting, which comes from the French phrase “en plein air” meaning “in the open air”.

Plein air is distinct from studio painting or other forms of art because it relies on direct observation of nature while still taking elements like climate and lighting into account.

Sketching outdoors gives you the freedom to explore your creativity in new ways, so give it a shot next time you have a free afternoon!

What is the difference between plein air and urban sketching?

Plein air and urban sketching both involve creating art outside a studio; however, the two activities are quite different.

Plein air painting allows an artist to work with nature as their backdrop, typically in an isolated area such as a park or beach.

Urban sketching showcases the hustle and bustle of a city and can take place anywhere in a city setting, such as in cafes, particular buildings, and other forms of architecture. 

Each type of art aims to capture the essence of their respective backgrounds – the serenity of nature for plein air and the dynamic energy of urban life for urban sketching.

What is plein air painting and why is it spelled so weirdly?

Plein-air painting is an approach to painting outdoors that some of the most renowned artists have practiced throughout history.

The term itself derives from the French phrase “en plein air,” which translates to “in the open air.”

It involves going to the source—the physical location of your subject—to get a more accurate and more personally satisfying representation of what you are trying to capture with your artwork. 

The appeal of this style lies in its ability to take advantage of natural light, the landscape, and even some atmospheric elements;

all while allowing artists time to pause and think while they paint in that particular location, surrounded by its wondrous beauty.

So why is it spelled so weirdly? Perhaps it’s because “Plein” is pronounced like “plā,” as if there were two syllables instead of one!

How can I improve my plein air?

Plein-air painting can be a great way to capture beautiful landscapes and moments in time, but it can also be an intimidating experience for inexperienced artists.

Improving your plein air painting skills involves building up the basics of painting techniques, learning to observe your subject more closely, and finding the materials that best suit you.

Start by sketching plein air scenes first so that you get used to the process of capturing details and recreating them on paper or canvas. 

Once comfortable with basic concept sketches, work on refining your technique.

When you are outside painting, it’s important to focus on details like light, shadow, and texture, which will have a huge impact on creating life-like paintings.

Finally, don’t forget to experiment with different supplies – such as brushes, paints, and canvasses – to find out which work best for you as an artist and for this particular way of painting.

What are the three watercolor rules?

The beautiful craft of watercolor painting can be fun and rewarding, but it’s important to remember that there are three fundamental rules to making it work.

The first rule is to work light to dark by layering the paint with lighter hues before building up the darker tones.

Second, you should use enough water so that the paint will flow freely across your paper. 

Too little water added can make your paints dry faster and become difficult to blend.

Lastly, always use good quality paper when starting a new project as cheaper paper can curl or even tear after adding too much water.

Once you have mastered these three rules, you’ll have the basic technique needed to start exploring all of its creative potential!

What is the golden rule of watercolor?

The golden rule of watercolor painting is probably one of the most fundamental pieces of advice any artist working in this medium should remember: never add more water, only more paint.

Watercolor requires patience and practice, but if you’re mindful about how much water is mixed into your colors, you’ll be much better off than if you overwork your paintings with fluidity.

Remembering this rule will help set the foundation for a successful painting process each time.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a few tips on how to take your plein-air sketches and turn them into full-fledged studio paintings.

Just remember to keep things loose, work quickly, and experiment with different techniques until you find a method that works for you. And above all else, have fun!

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Josh Cohen

Josh Cohen

I love to paint, mostly nature and I dabble in some abstract paintings. Here I will share some tips and tricks I learned over the years.

About Me

Josh C

I love to paint, mostly nature and I dabble in some abstract paintings. Here I will share some tips and tricks I learned over the years.

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