I have a fear of plein air painting! It’s a loss of control thing I guess… you gotta just jump in and do it in the moment. No planning or roughs, no control over the elements… the wind, the sun, the rock hard apples falling!

But on Wednesday I had an opportunity to participate in a Plein Air event at Greenwood Gardens. It is such a beautiful and amazing place that I couldn’t pass up the chance.
I decided to keep it simple and low stress by focusing only on sketching
And taking photos for reference for more sketches, and for larger paintings.
Bringing a sketchbook and pencils/pens felt less scary. And would give me the time to walk the grounds and gets tons of photos.
I was very impressed with fellow artists who brought easels and oils, and spent their time on one piece in one location.
Greenwood gardens has such varied and interesting locations with a mix of plant and architecture that I wanted time to really walk around.
I collected lots of reference pics and also had the very soothing experience of drawing 2 different locations on site

The first two I drew yesterday on site and painted when I got home.
The summer house detail I drew Friday from my photos. Best part was I felt like I was there again.

I intend to do more plein air and on site sketching so I get more and more comfortable with it. It’s also a really great way to loosen up your drawings and trust your instincts.
I don’t love hauling the stuff, including a chair, which was invaluable.

What are your thoughts about working live

Have you tried plein air painting or drawing?

This morning got off to a rough start, but I was determined not to let it ruin my day.

It’s just not worth it.

So, I took a long, very brisk walk in the sun to clear my head, and wondered what I make in my sketchbook today. Being cranky and irritated do not encourage creative inspiration or flow – very much the opposite.

I decided I needed a very low stakes, low stress, option. Something easy to shift my mood.

Loose watercolor pumpkins scattered on the page was my answer… which is mostly about mixing paint (and always soothes my savage beast).

Painting my little pumpkins Just. For. Fun.

Lovely, bright oranges, reds, yellows, golds, and umbers (raw and burnt).

It felt really good.

Really calming

My breathing slowed as I appreciated the moment, and the process. And I was loosening up.

Then I added a bit of color splashes.

Now to ink or not ink? I love my ink lines, so I went right in with ink instead of agonizing over the decision.

I highly recommend this process of loosely painting circles and ovals… you can make pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, grapes, cherries, to name a few.

I’ll be doing more like this for the soothing, centering, relaxing feeling it brings. I highly recommend it.

Do you think you will try it? If so let me know….