Plein Air Adventures

The Transformative Power of Plein Air Painting

I know the struggle of painting en plein air all too well. It’s a challenge: with so much going on around you and the ticking clock that waits for no artist.

Before I set off with all my gear, I make sure to check the weather forecast for wind, temperature, humidity, and clouds. And if I’m headed to the coast, I always take a peek at the tidal schedule.

Is it worth it? Absolutely, for so many reasons!

Honestly, I’m not the best photographer. Any photos I take usually end up with a blown-out sky and very little detail in the shadows. What seemed like the perfect subject for a reference photo often turned out dull and flat, not capturing the scene I saw with my own eyes.

The eureka moment hit me after a plein air session at Cape Spencer, where I was soaking in the gorgeous cliffside view of the Bay of Fundy. I was so wrapped up in capturing those vibrant colours and the way the light danced into the shadows on the cliffs. But when I got home and compared my painting to my reference photos, it was a total letdown. The images were lifeless, completely missing the essence of what I’d seen and felt.

I’m lucky to have an awesome friend, Helen Shideler, who’s just as spontaneous as I am when it comes to painting en plein air. We always have a blast together, and with a little nudge from our friends, we decided to start making YouTube videos: Art Adventures with Dale and Helen. We’d love for you to check them out, give them a Like, and Subscribe!