Plein-Air Painting: A Personal Experience Shared

I started painting small watercolor sketches outdoors about 12 years ago after I bought a little folding watercolor set with pan colors. I found I could carry the essentials for watercolor sketching in two pockets -- and began taking the kit nearly everywhere my wife and I traveled. Although I continue studio painting, I derive the greatest enjoyment from one- or two-hour sketches done outdoors.

Encounters with Insects when Plein-Air Painting
What personal and communal pleasures I have had painting outside -- and I’ve never had problems with onlookers! The worst time in my whole plein-air painting ‘career’ was in Charleston, SC, when an entire task-force of gnats visited me and attacked with a vengeance. I was painting the church with the very tall spire and, if the draftmanship is flawed, one must blame the gnats. I imagine I squashed more than one on my watercolor paper, for there is a hint here and there of a carcass.

On another memorable occasion, a sole fly persisted in attacking my ankles. His teeth were larger than his body! He always waited until after I had chased him off and returned to my painting to make another sortie against my ankle. I suspect I had gone out without my insect repellent.

Encounters with Humans when Plein-Air Painting
On the human side, I have never had an unpleasant experience with onlookers. Invariably they have said, "Do you mind if I look?" A few have made polite conversation, but most have been very quiet and attentive.

Some experiences stand out. In Bacharach, Germany, a young boy sat quietly for at least a half hour and watched me do a little watercolor. His interest was so intense that I have hoped he went on to become a plein-air painter himself.

In Istanbul, while painting the Blue Mosque, a group of charming high school girls surrounded us, and when the painting was done, prevailed on us to sing them an American song. The only one we could remember was Jamaica Farewell, not quite American, which my wife and I did in harmony. Two of these girls continued corresponding with us for several years.

On the Acropolis, I certainly experienced more visitors than any other place I have painted. Most of them were speaking in unfamiliar languages -- but all were obviously of good will.

However, the greatest joy is the way painting connects you with the subject! I have taken thousands of photographs. I have looked through the viewfinder of a video camera until my eyeball quivered. But none of this frenetic activity has begun to connect me with the essence of a place as has the act of rendering it on paper with pencil or paintbrush!

About the artist: Richard Moore says: “For most of my employed work life, I was either a Naval officer (five years), or a Presbyterian pastor (34 years). Both were happy and productive experiences, but painting was the icing on the cake -- and still is.” To see more of Richard’s art, check out his websites www.ship-paintings.com and Outdoor Watercolors.