My painting in the outdoors experience(En Plein Air)

As a lover of nature and all things in the natural world, it was only a matter of time before I took my easle outdoors. And no better year to start painting outdoors (En Plein Air) than the past year with fine sunny days lasting until late autumn.

I started out watching a few online tutorials but was eager to get some live tutoring and share the experience with other art enthusiasts.

In July, I attended Artform in Dunmore East where artist, Dave West, tutored en plein air painting. A fabulous few days of pure delight had me hooked to outdoor painting. I met a lovely group of artists and we kept in touch and ventured to 'Wexford Art in the Open 2021' . The painting, comradery and beautiful countryside locations made it the perfect en plein air experience.

I also took part in plein air festivals in Doneraile, Cork and Ballinakill Twin Tree Festival, Laois. Two more fabulous weekends in beautiful villages, parklands and gardens where I enjoyed the experience of painting in nature immensely

I paint locally to where I live, my favourite being woodland and rivers. I think it's important to paint what you love. I paint a lot of commissions and although I enjoy them, they can be time consuming and one can get caught up in trying to meet the expectations of the customer. However, when one paints en plein air, it's so freeing and natural, it just flows and it's much more fun, you don't mind if you get it right or wrong and, generally, for that reason it turns out right!

So, after a year of outdoor painting, I can safely say, 2022 will have more to come and hopefully more festivals to be enjoyed.

Following my passion! 

Catherine