It’s Plein Air Season
Time to pack your art kit and get outside!
Hello Creative Souls 💜
It’s Plein Air Season, although as I type this we are having some much-needed rain. My plans have changed as I was hoping to film my next video for my channel, gestural sketching of the foxgloves in my borders. I think I may try and sketch from the greenhouse instead, which I fortunately cleaned out at the weekend; it was a dead fly graveyard! I’ve been busy in the garden, planting some foxgloves, hollyhocks, and cosmos. I’ve also filled some terracotta pots with some daisies and geraniums for some summer interest. I must just share with the gardening enthusiasts that read my post, this one is for you, Anne - I found the most gorgeous rose this week; it’s purple with a beautiful, delicate scent and is called Blue for You. I released some snails into the nature pond, and the goldfish in the reel have been treated to some floating water lettuce. So that’s me all caught up. I shall now tell you all about my new, improved plein air kit and the benefits of getting outside with your sketchbook.
With the change of season and the gentle shift in weather here in the South West, UK, I find myself invigorated and eager to venture outdoors, sketchbook in hand. The countryside is alive with bursts of wildflowers, and the trees are flourishing in their full splendour, inspired by the landscape with vibrant greens and pops of colour.
There’s something profoundly grounding about stepping outside, breathing in the fresh air, and letting the natural world inspire each stroke of the pencil or brush. This year, I’ve opted to simplify my approach. I’ve streamlined my plein air kit into a more accessible, "grab & go" art kit. This scaled-down version allows me to seize spontaneous moments of creativity without the weight of unnecessary supplies.
As Claude Monet once said, "My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature." These words perfectly capture the essence of plein air sketching—finding peace in the simplicity of being present with nature.
Whether nestled along the rugged coastline or tucked into a quiet corner of the rolling countryside, these serene spots offer the perfect backdrop to escape, create, and connect deeply with Mother Earth. There’s a unique magic in capturing the fleeting light, the dance of shadows, and the ever-changing hues of nature. I find that getting outside changes my mood, my perspective on life and gives me a chance to reset and gain some balance.
The Mental Well-Being Benefits of Plein Air Sketching:
Beyond the creative fulfilment, plein air sketching offers numerous mental well-being benefits:
Mindfulness and Presence: Focusing on the details of your surroundings—shapes, shadows, colours—naturally encourages mindfulness, keeping you present in the moment.
Stress Reduction: Immersing yourself in nature, combined with the calming act of sketching, significantly reduces stress levels. The rhythmic motion of drawing has a meditative effect.
Boosts Creativity: Exposure to ever-changing natural environments stimulates your creative thinking, offering fresh perspectives and inspiration.
Mood Enhancement: The combination of natural light, fresh air, and the satisfaction of creating can elevate your mood and provide a deep sense of accomplishment.
Connection with Nature: As John Constable reflected, "Painting is but another word for feeling." Plein air sketching fosters a profound connection with nature, grounding you and enhancing your emotional well-being.
I started my plein air journey a couple of years ago now and have loved creating art outside in my sketchbooks, as a beginner it’s hard to know where to start so here are some tips:
Practical Tips for Beginners in Plein Air Sketching
Keep It Simple: Start with a minimal kit—just a sketchbook, a few pencils or pens, and perhaps a small watercolour set. This reduces the pressure and lets you focus on the art.
Choose Comfortable Spots: Look for places where you can sit comfortably, with a good view and some shade. A lightweight, portable stool can be a game-changer.
Be Weather-Ready: Dress in layers and bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and water. The British weather can be unpredictable, so a small umbrella can double as sun or rain protection.
Set Time Limits: Give yourself a time frame, like 30 minutes per sketch, to keep things fresh and prevent overthinking. Don’t worry about the outcome, sketchbooks give you permission just to experiment and play.
Capture the Essence: Don’t aim for perfection. Focus on the essence of the scene—the light, the mood, and the basic shapes. As Vincent van Gogh advised, "Just slap anything on when you see a blank canvas staring at you with a sort of imbecility. You don't know how paralysing that is, that stare, and the foolish thing you do to avoid it."
Take Notes: Jot down observations about colours or feelings you experience. This can be helpful when refining your sketches later at home.
Respect Nature: Always leave your spot as you found it. Consider carrying a small bag for any rubbish and never dispose of your painty water whilst out in nature. Some paints are toxic to wildlife and aquatic creatures.
So, curious about what’s in my plein air art kit? I’ve shared all the details in my latest video, where I walk you through my essentials, offering tips on how to keep things simple yet effective for outdoor sketching adventures.
Grab your kit, step outside, and let nature be your muse.
Stay naturally curious..
Clare 🙏💜
Your garden is wonderful, Clare! And that purple rose. Oooh, looks beautiful. Wish I could smell it. I was chatting with my sister-in-law about roses and was envious that she has so many and isn't bothered by Japanese beetles. I got her hooked on David Austins years ago and now she has more than I do!
Thanks for all of the tips for plein air sketching. I want to do lots more of it this year, though I tend to get distracted when I'm outside and often don't touch my supplies and sketchbooks at all.
I hope you'll share more of your sketchbooks. And more of your garden! Love getting a glimpse into what you're creating!