One of the things I love doing on weekends and vacations is grabbing my pastels or paints and heading out on a hike. Two of my favorite things together, nature and drawing. It's a radically different experience working in the "field" than in the warm studio under the lights. Sometimes you just gotta get out and breath it! Being out in the "elements" while working can be both a nightmare and a complete full-fillment of the senses. Frustrating at times when the wind blows your pastels all over the muddy ground or that feeling of moisture creeping through your jeans when you've realized you've sat in "something"... or coming home two hours later to a burnt forehead and dehydration. Lesson here is, like a boyscout, be prepared with more than just your art supplies.
But it can also be those beautiful mornings on the California coast, soaking in all those beautiful colors that are absolutely glowing! Capturing just a taste of the beauty that nature has to offer ranks up there with some of the finest of human experiences. Your senses are your guide, you are listening as you draw to the birds chirping, the couples walking by, or the gentle breeze through the trees. The smell of dew or moist salty ocean air can wake you right up quicker than the first sip of morning coffee! It's all working together, your eyes, your ears, your nose, your mind and your putting it down in real-time.
The time honored tradition of plein-air painting, refers to a manner or style of painting developed chiefly in France in the mid-19th century, characterized by the representation of the luminous effects of natural light and atmosphere. Strictly speaking plein-air paintings are executed out of doors and represent a direct response to the scene or subject in front of the artist. The impressionists like Monet and Cezzane were masters of observation from nature. I enjoy painting outdoors and in one complete sitting from beginning to end (usually about two hours). While the work is slightly less labored and looser, it usually captures a fresh and vibrant appeal unique from my other studio-based work.
Here is a little of how it works...
STEP 1: Getting set-up and looking at the world in front of you. Soak in nature's work first! Whoaaa watch the dog shit right there to your left... (What the hell people, pick up after your damn dogs!)
STEP 2: Begin to lay in the drawing. Basic forms, lights and darks... oh and watch that perspective people! Where is that horizon line? Remember, there is only one.
STEP 3: Start working in the colors, lights and shadows and all degrees of tonality in-between. This part takes the longest but truthfully is the most fun part. It's like mediation, you are concentrating and relaxing at the same time in response to the environment around you. You are living in it, co-existing with it. You are one with nature, the sights, the sounds, the vibrating colors... the hours pass...
Get out there and try it people! You don't have to go very far to find that beauty. It's a great way to enjoy the weekend and learn a little something too. Don't be too hard on yourselves, it's about the feeling and experience and the results will get better with time. You'll take in nature in a whole new way, with an awareness of more than you might get from a casual hike or walk. Stop, listen, look, enjoy and even take home a souvenir from your experience. I promise you, you will remember your adventure more clearly.
Here are a few other excursions out.
The Redwoods Park in the East Bay.
Cannery Row, Monterey.
For more of my Plein-Air Drawings check out my website
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HEREImagery: ©Copyright Trey Gallaher
