Plein Air
Plein Air
1. Of or being a style of painting produced out of doors in natural light.
2. Taking place outdoors.
[From French (en) plein air, (in) the open air : en, in + plein, full + air, air.]
Most paintings are created in a studio - produced in a controlled environment, under little time restraints, in privacy and isolated from public view until their completion. Painting outdoors "en plein air" provides little to none of those properties.
Plein air painting is about the interaction of the artist and their surroundings during a brief moment of life. It's direct contact with a chilly wind gust against the painter's face, the smell of spring flowers, and quickly shifting light. It's the buzz of a bee, and the excitement of children as they run up to ask if they're a real artist. It's exposing themselves to the elements and the publics scrutinies. No other mode of painting provides a more direct connection between artist, subject and public.
Plein air painting is painting from life and life's inspirations and experiences during that exact moment they're happening.
