A New Plein Air Painting

I was recently able to experience the plein air painting benefits when coming upon an old red barn in a field full of red clover flowers. It simply could not be passed up. Below you can see my pochade box for plein air (out of doors) painting and my subject matter behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This painting with its easy title (Red Barn and Red Clover) will also be up for auction on eBay. It’ll end May 7th. You can access the auction from my profile page.

Bidding started at only .99 cents!

 

 

 

Benefits of Plein Air Painting

So what are the benefits of painting out of doors, versus working from a photo? Simply put, photos lie compared to what your own eyes can see. Camera’s are a distortion of reality. Although I find it essential in recording details and the fact it’s not always possible or practical to paint at some locations. However, painting from life increases your understanding of color, light and values more so than anything else. You also become aware of a camera’s limitations and how to work work with those limitations.

But, what if you don’t have the desire or it’s not practical to paint on location? Try taking just your paints, and mixing the colors you see and make notes in a journal. Sort of a color chart. Of course take a photo to remind you of your scene or do a pencil sketch… or both. So get out and give it a try! It’ll lend authenticity to your work.

If you need plein air painting supplies, here’s a link to Judson’s Art Outfitters. I purchased the 9×12 Guerilla Box years ago and it’s still going strong.

Other Recent Byron Signature Paintings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was feeling a little bit nostalgic for a classic view of one of my favorite flowers to include in my landscape paintings. (Bluebonnets!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now living in North East Texas, it’s been enjoyable to see a variety of trees and flowers not previously encountered.  In several areas there were flowering Dogwood and wisteria growing up along fences and even up into the trees. Not to mention fields and fields of yellow flowers. So I decided to combine all three. Hope you enjoy these latest 3 Byron paintings!