The Plein Air Experience and What It Means to Studio Work

My artistic journey started like many peoples- some formal training at college, and then the real learning took place at seminars and workshops.  I was lucky to fall into learning from artists who cared about teaching and shared what they knew.  One concept that took the longest to hit home was the notion of using field work to support studio work.  My great friend and mentor the late Paco Young taught me this very importnant principal early in my career.  When an artist is in the field he/she must be efficient,focused, and prepared.

Most artists I have worked with come with ample enthusiasm, gear, and desire.  Unfortunatley, most do not come with proper gear, the right mindset, or the proper expectations.  A ceartin amount of leg work innecessary for the artist to maximize the time spent outdoors painting.  Over time I have developed and stolen the procedures that work.  Carl Rungius the great wildlife painter once said that after a couple of hundred paintings then you are ready to start- I agree, but how do you go about doing those hundred?  With what purpose in mind?  I am no different than anyone else I am on the journey- experiencing painting outdoors and putting it to good use.