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Michelle
Step Into the Garden with Your Paintbrush
This week I decided it’s been a while since I painted outside – and there’s nothing quite like it.
I got my pochade box out and stepped into the garden.
When we moved into our house just before lockdown, our garden was nothing but mud. I had so much fun ‘painting’ it with colour – planting flowers, adding pots, watching it grow. Now it’s one of my favourite places to paint.
If you’ve ever thought about painting outside – or plein air as it’s called – here are a few tips to get you started:
Keep it simple
Don’t try to paint everything. You’re capturing a moment, and the light changes fast. Focus on the big shapes and main idea of what you see.
Mark out the lights and darks early
Block in where the light hits and where the deep shadows sit – this helps you stay on track when the sun moves or clouds roll in.
Start small
Use a small canvas or board so you can finish it quicker. You’ll learn loads in a short amount of time and feel that sense of completion.
Limit your palette
Use fewer colours – it’s less overwhelming and helps create harmony. It also encourages you to mix, which makes for more natural and interesting colour.
Begin in your garden
If you’re new to plein air, painting at home takes away the pressure. No one watching, no distractions. You can ease into it and build your confidence.
Think about the time of day
Morning and evening light is softer and has lovely colours. Midday sun can be strong and harsh, so timing can really change the mood of your piece.
Pack light
Take only what you need. A few brushes, a small palette, water (or medium), and tissues or a rag. The less you carry, the easier the experience.
Be patient with yourself
Things might not turn out ‘perfect’ – and that’s okay! Plein air painting is about responding, not controlling. Let the process be playful.
Plein air painting is such a wonderful way to connect with nature and loosen up your style. Keep it simple, small, and start close to home. The more you do it, the more confident and expressive your outdoor work will become.
Let me know in the comments do you already do this or is it something you’d like to try?
8 thoughts on “Step Into the Garden with Your Paintbrush”
Michelle,
I just LOVE your style of painting! It really inspires me to paint! Thank you for sharing with us and for your gentle spirit! We share a last name, so I think it makes me feel more connected to you and your work! Have a wonderful day!
Aww thank you Ann you are very kind. How lovely we share the same surname : ) have a great day.
Your plein air paintings are great, Michelle! Did you have any issues keeping your paint from drying out on the palette? I have had this issue using acrylics outside. Thanks for the tips!
It is more tricky as they do dry so quickly but I tend to mix quite a bit of paint which helps slow the drying down. I’m quite generous with how much I put out. You could try a stay wet palette. Thanks for your kind words.
Wonderful paintings Michelle. I really fancy doing some painting in the garden now too but will leave it until the weather is a bit cooler. Love the colours in your garden and studio. Thanks for the tips about getting the lights done before the light changes.
Thank you Rita. Yes it is rather warm at the moment. It’s worth a try and a good excuse to be outside.
Hi Michelle
I should try this – as long as I can find a place in the shade to sit or stand!
Your paintings are so lovely! The backgrounds look great, which I sometimes struggle with, and the paintings are really loose and vibrant.
Judy
Thank you Judy. Give it a try. Try not to focus so much on the background, look for the focal point and pay more attention to that.