Painting Adventures - by Patricia Banks
Published in Island Arts Magazine - Winter 2015

Norman Rockwell said: "The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So you see they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back." I like that idea! That must be why artists are such fascinating people! Every artist dances to their own rhythm, doing what moves them along in their own individual journey, along their own creative road.  

Twenty plus years ago, when I began painting in earnest, I found the "Profession" of being an artist a little bewildering. I had come from a science oriented field where, at the time, there were rules, regulations and requirements - none to be ignored. A work-life, in my perception, where the road was relatively narrow and went generally in one direction. A steady diet of working within those parameters just wasn't a perfect fit for me. However, the lack of constraints in becoming an artist seemed a bit daunting and overwhelming. No rules! Just paint! What I did find in common with most artists was my deep need to be creative. I craved the freedom of spirit inherent in being an artist. So began a new chapter in my life, a new adventure!  

Plein Air Painting - Part 2 of 2, Tips & Techniques    
by Patricia Banks
Published in Island Arts Magazine - Summer 2015

Everyone can paint En Plein Air! Painting outdoors can be as easy as sitting in a summer garden or as challenging as scaling a mountain range in a remote arctic park in the winter. There are no limits. It really is all about the artist's own personal interests, choices, and abilities. So, the most important question is: what inspires you?

I had the privilege of meeting Stefan Baumann this April. He is an unassuming and generous man, whose PBS film series called " Painting America's National Parks - The Grand View,"  are a beautiful tribute to the breathtaking scenery of the parks and an inspiring class for Plein Air Painters. Stefan says: "Paint what you love...painting is communicating but make sure you have something to say." Very good advice! Inspiration and knowledge of a subject are vital. John D. Cogan adds to this by saying, "Remember that as an artist, you are telling a story. Think about why the story interests you, and concentrate on those aspects that will make it interesting for those who will look at your painting." With inspiration in hand, what tips and techniques are needed?

First, chose a medium that works for you: pencils, crayons, pen and ink, watercolours, acrylics, oils, or pastels, or whatever else you may wish to use. Keep materials to a minimum and lightweight enough to carry. For example, in oils, I limit my paints to a double primary system, (a warm and cool of each primary color - red, yellow, and blue), plus white. With practice, it is possible to mix most colors from these few, including excellent darks. Joseph Gyurcsak also advises to "Use a limited palette to create unity and harmony." It may take a few tries to reduce supplies and leave the rest in the studio. Set up your plein air painting supplies in your studio and do a trial run. Having only what you need when you are outdoors, will make the difference between a difficult or an enjoyable painting outing. Travel light!

Take five minutes and do a few quick thumbnail sketches of your composition including three values - light, medium, and dark. This will save time later and help make a successful painting. Work small to start, and focus on only one thing that has captured your attention. Kim Lordier's advice is to "Paint like it is just an exercise." Painting outdoors is a tremendous learning experience that sometimes results in a finished piece. For many artists, painting en plein air, is for gathering information in preparation for a larger or more detailed painting done in the studio. It is the opportunity to paint from life - the great outdoors, and to see nature as it really is.

Keep it simple! What inspires you and what you have to say as an artist, will determine what you do. In my opinion, creativity nourishes the soul, and as Ned Meuller says "Paint as much and as often as you can." It's good for you! 

January 18, 2015

Plein Air Painting - Part 1 of 2  
by Patricia Banks
Published in Island Arts Magazine - Spring 2015

Wrestling with the wind, rain, heat, cold, changing light, not to mention bugs! etc., while trying to capture that awe inspiring moment in an outdoor painting, can indeed be frustrating! As Lori McNee, Idaho artist says: "Learning to be comfortable en plein air is a process and there is no reason why you should nail your set-up the very first time." All it takes then, is a little preparation and a few trial runs to be able to pack the lightest and most efficient painting set up so that you have everything you need and most of what you want. "The trick is to find the right materials for you as an individual artist," Sharon Weilbaecher notes. It has taken me a while to refine my plein air painting gear which includes a nap sack of supplies, an easel and a fold up chair. So why would I leave the convenience and comfort of my studio to brave the unpredictable forces of nature?

In my endeavours to grow as an artist and improve my paintings, I painted all the time, took workshops, talked with other artists, watched videos, read books, visited art galleries and art museums, and did all manner of things I thought would help. But after a lifetime of working with people as a Registered Nurse, I found I didn't like the isolated existence which seemed to be a requirement of a full time painter. For inspiration, I spent a lot of time travelling, hiking, quickly sketching, and taking hundreds of photographs of the spectacular scenery that I planned to paint. On these outings, I would stand still and absorb the untamed energy of the places I visited. Then, I couldn't wait to get back to my studio to start my next masterpiece. In the studio, I would  recall the images, with the help of my reference photos, and envision myself back in the setting. Sometimes this worked very well and I was pleased with my painting, but often it fell short. What was missing?

The experience of being immersed in the elements while plein air painting forces me to use all of my skills and senses when painting. I am able to see; to really see, with an artist's eye. The phenomenal amount of information I now notice about my subject, when I'm actually looking at it, is incomparable to anything else I've tried to do to improve my paintings. Joseph McGurl advises: "Never bring a camera when you can go plein air painting. It will force you to stay in the field until you get all the information you need and your observation abilities will be sharpened knowing you will not be able to refer to photographs to finish your paintings." Plein air painting is the best way I know to both appreciate the breathtaking beauty of nature and  to enjoy it at the same time. It is the thrill of being in the moment!

"Outdoor painting is a sport. Get the right equipment." I agree with Bryan Mark Taylor. What a great excuse to get outside and play with like minded folks! Make sure you are physically prepared for your painting trip and be realistic about the time you have, and the time you actually need, to do a plein air painting. Plein air painting is fun, especially if you focus on the overall experience and the process of painting rather than on achieving a finished, saleable masterpiece. Oh no! ... I've run out of room to give you my great tips on what to pack and techniques for success as you get started ... Stay tuned for Plein Air Painting - Part 2 in Island Arts summer issue. It will be out just in time to prepare for your plein air painting adventures!