Open Air Perspective: The Art of En Plein Air Painting
Regardless of how often you create art, there’s always a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with creating a work that genuinely connects with the stories of the people around you.
This is the essence of en plein air painting. With just a small canvas or a piece of paper, easel, paint, and brushes, one can explore myriad perspectives of the world. Where artists venture into bustling cityscapes or tranquil natural settings just to capture scenes that resonate with reality.
Painting, Relief, and Stories
En Plein Air offers a breather from worries, even if just for a bit. It’s an opportunity to unwind, tap into creativity, and establish a deeper connection with nature while exchanging stories with diverse individuals.
This is the narrative of Mr. Erwin Mallari, a professional watercolorist from Malabon with years of experience in painting plein air. Through his years of immersion in this art form, he has amassed a collection of stories waiting to be told. With a deep understanding of the places he has visited and the people he has met along the way, Mr. Mallari captures not only the beauty of his surroundings but also the stories of the communities he encounters.
Nabigyan ng mas kumpletong istorya ang pinipinta ko dahil sa mga kwento ng mga tao na nakatira malapit sa pinipinta ko…Nabigyan ako ng kaligayahan dahil sa experience at kwento kapag ako ay naka-pagpinta sa labas.
Mallari shared.
Finding the right location for en plein air painting is an art in itself. Plein air will give you a chance to feel the vibe of the surroundings and let your creativity flow freely. An art form that allows you to delve deeply into the subject you’re painting, understanding narratives beyond their beauty.
Arguably, En plein air gives people the comfort of knowing that there is no pressure on their creative flow. And for some, it is a way to hear stories of people in places where big wheels cannot pass by.
What is Plein Air Painting?
Plein air painting, a French term signifying “in the open air,” entails working outside of a studio setting. Many artists have embraced this practice, bringing their materials to various places. From bustling cities to serene natural landscapes in order to capture the essence and vibrancy of their surroundings directly onto canvas.
Although it has roots stretching back centuries, it was truly refined into an art form by the French Impressionists.
In contemporary art circles, painting en plein air empowers artists to seize the emotional and sensory essence of a particular subject at a specific moment. This approach embodies a renewed genuineness, reflecting the artist’s individual impulses within their artwork.
What Makes it Special?
Traveling and immersing oneself in the beauty of the environment adds a special touch to en plein air painting. Artists must pack lightly, bringing only essential materials as they venture outside. This typically includes brushes, a selection of paint colors, canvas, and a durable easel that can withstand varying weather conditions.
It is also an art form that challenges artists to be deliberate. When painting from a photo, there is a limited details to work with. However, when painting en plein air, there is a 360-degree scene of the subject.
Through the act of painting in different environments and weather conditions, artists can develop a deeper connection with their subject. They will find themselves more attuned to the nuances of the landscapes they portray, capturing not just their subject but also the mood and atmosphere that surround them.
Kapag outdoor dapat buo ang mood mo na magpinta sa labas at handa sa anumang posibleng pagbabago ng panahon. [Kailangan] mabilis mag desisyon dahil sa limitadong oras pero enjoy dahil kapag na-master mo na ang handling ay para ka na lang nagkakape sa labas at nakikipagkwentuhan sa mga tao sa paligid.
plein air painter Erwin Mallari shared.
Certainly, en plein air painting challenges artists to confront the elements. The gusts of wind, the downpour of rain, or the relentless heat, and race against time. Amidst shifting light, unpredictable weather, and unforeseen circumstances, artists must swiftly capture the essence of the scene before it vanishes.
Furthermore, what makes it more special is its detachment from the intrusion of technology. This fosters a genuine connection with nature, allowing individuals to fully appreciate the natural beauty of landscapes and the people around them.
In this way, en plein air painting became more than just an art form—it is a profound journey of self-discovery, story-telling, and artistic exploration.
