When I first studied watercolor, classes took place outside (en plein air). I worked outside every week from April until late into November. The remainder of the year, classes took place indoors. The memory of all the classes that I took in the great outdoors returned while I was leading workshops in Sutton this year.
I am a studio painter now. The atmospheric control and the convenience of having all my supplies within reach are the reasons for my decision to paint primarily indoors. There are a lot of supplies to choose from. It would be impossible to go to an outdoor site with all of that equipment.
In the past, I have painted on locations which could only be accessed by a long walk. Who can carry all that weight?
Indoors, I work on a large surface at my easel or at my drafting table. Water is readily available. There is a large selection of brushes and pigments and I can work with masking fluid.
In the out of doors, I reduce the size of my painting surface. I, often use a watercolor block.
I may sit on a folding chair or a rock. Paint is limited to what is on my selected palette. Water will be carried in a plastic bottle with a lid. This bottle will serve as my water container for painting.
In the studio, I work in a variety of styles and sizes. Outdoors, the techniques will be dictated by the weather conditions, the bugs, and various animals that may visit me (dogs, cats, or even chipmunks). Outside, I will try to avoid masking fluid. The technique will be a more direct paint application and almost no large washes.
I would not miss the outdoor experience for anything. I may stand in front of a class teaching size comparisons and aerial perspective, but nothing compares to being on site to actually see these lessons.
My outdoor work often serves as the preliminary for a large scale studio work.
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