Plein Air painting days in London

11th September, Soho Square

As part of an ongoing publicity campaign to advertise our forth coming show Capturing the Moment
Haidee-Jo Summers and I planned a couple of paint out days in London.
The first was in Soho Square on 11th September. I created an event on Facebook and was surprised how quickly word spread. On the day about 50 artists turned up to paint, I was a bit concerned as we hadn't approached anyone for any permits but all was fine.

Felicity House working on a lovely pastel

Haidee and I in the middle.
We finally got to paint an hour before the end,
we'd been very busy talking to all the artists

At the end of the day,
comparing notes and planning to go off to the
nearest pub for a well earned drink and bite to eat

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and said how they were looking forward to the next Paint Out.

10th October St James's Park

The success of the first paint out soon spread and people were eager to do it again . We arranged for people to meet at the Cafe Inn the Park around 10am, we couldn't believe how many turned up. Some artists had got there early and were already painting. We took names but I found out after the event that I didn't get to see everyone and that there must have been a lot more than 100 artists there.

artists gathering at the beginning of the day

Poster and Palett

some artists at work

At the end of the day some of the artists gathered for
a chat and to display their work on the roof of the cafe

All in all it was well worth the organising. The feedback has been amazing. It seems that artists really welcome the opportunity to get together to paint. Even standing side by side in silence whilst absorbed in their work there is the feeling of camaraderie. 

Some of the painters there had never painted outside before and told me just how much they had enjoyed the experience and that they would not have dared to do it on their own.

Looks like I will be organising another paint out again soon. Keep an eye on the web site or sign up for an email at www.britishpleinairpainters.co.uk

Well know author and artist Katherine Tyrell gave us marvellous coverage in her blog,  Making a Mark. Do visit to see more pictures of the day

Days 29 & 30

Satsumas in Brocante bowl

Saturday was not such a good day in Sommieres weather wise but it was market day. This I have to say is a serious market. The whole town has stalls in the streets and squares. At one end of the town is a very large open space that becomes the place for the Brocante, the second-hand and antique market. Felicity and I found this delightful bowl so I bought some satsumas to paint in it as rain was forecast.

It did rain and after painting the blue bowl we then painted Julie's jug which was a birthday present from Tom & Mary

Julie's jug and Satsumas

This was painted in very gloomy light as we liked the natural light from the doorway.
First time I'd painted bread and cheese - will have to do that again.

Day 30
Much better weather so I went and painted in town again.

Lunch Time, Sommieres

This needs a bit of work on it, I painted in the shade looking into the sun and the buildings came out far too yellow.

It was good to finish my 30 day challenge in France. I shall make a collage of all the paintings I did there but also I need to put my 30 day collage on Leslie Saetas blog page along with all the other artists that took up the challenge - see next blog 😉

Morston Group

Every year for the past 12 years the Sheringham Art group have hired the village Hall at Morston in Norfolk for me to run a two day workshop for them. In the early days we would have 15 artists attending but due to ill health of many members, numbers have dwindled so this was to be the last year.

High Tide, Morston

I always start off with a demo to get people in the mood, I try to get people working on the quayside to paint but most prefer to remain in the Hall. I managed to get down there for a bit myself first and it was a beautiful high tide.

Low Tide, Morston

I have enjoyed teaching and getting to know this group and will miss them. I have decided to hire the hall myself for the same period next year and to invite artists to join me with the emphasis on Plein Air

Paint Out Norwich 2015

I was lucky to be chosen again this year to take part in PON. In all 40 artists were selected. We painted over two days. A location of our choice in the in the morning and in the afternoon a different spot. Each time we were allowed three hours to paint.
The first day was glorious. I painted in the market place.

The Basket stall, Norwich Market 12" x 10" oil on board

 After handing in my wet painting I got the next canvas stamped and went off to paint in Pottergate. The sun was casting wonderful light across the road.

Pottergate, Norwich 14" x 18" oil on linen canvas

Unfortunately the next day, Wednesday, we had rain, not deterred  we all headed out into the city, I managed to find shelter under the canopy of Jarrolds department store. I looked towards the flower stall that I painted last year, a favourite subject for a lot of artists.

Reflections, Norwich 10" x 10" oil on board

As the rain eased off I went to Elm Hill in the afternoon, the light on the wet cobbles as a challenge.

Elm Hill 18" x 14" oil on linen

On Thursday we had a free morning and were then taken by bus to Mousehold Heath for lunch after which we painted from the heath which has wonderful views over the city. It was a special day as it was open to the public to join us in a mass paint out. Over 100 artists painted on the heath that day - what a sight!

After we framed our wet paintings they were taken to The Hostry at Norwich Cathedral to be hung for the Private view and auction on the Friday night. Each artist chose one painting for the auction with a reserve, I picked my painting of the flower stall in the rain. It's nerve racking seeing your painting going under the hammer but I was pleased with the result and met the lovely buyers afterwards. They asked me to pose with the painting.
After the auction, prize winners were announced, the last thing I was expecting was to win anything as the standard was so high so, I was more than shocked to win overall second prize and delighted I must say.

Second Prize!!!

Paint Out Norwich is one of the most organised and best put together events I ever been to. There is such a fantastic team of people that work so well together - and they are SO nice.
If you are even just a little bit tempted to apply for next years event, I would say - "go for it"

Keep an eye on their web site  Paint Out Norwich

Venice

2nd - 9th October I was in Venice with my dear friend Felicity, unfortunately Haidee that organised the trip had to pull out at the last moment. I was very excited as, although I had been to Venice twice before, I'd never had the opportunity to paint. A fine American artist, Wyllis Heaton, that we met in Morocco was also going to join us..
The first day we headed down to the fish market where we met Lori McNee & Cory Wright from the States. Two very talented artists. We hit it off straight away and from there on dined together in the evenings.

Fish Market, Venice 8" x 8"

The Vegetable Market 8" x 8"

A quiet Corner 8" x 8"

We had a couple of days of rain but were still able to get out. The next three paintings were painted from a sheltered spot

Umbrellas in Venice 8" x 8"

Venetian Doorway 8" x 8"

Green Door, Venice 8" x 8"

One morning we got up really early to paint the sunrise. You had to be very quick to capture it and I kind of missed it but it was really nice to be in St Mark's square without all the tourists.

My favourite squares were right near our apartment

I apologise for the poor quality of the photos. I still haven't got round to taking proper photographs.
In all I completed 18 oil paintings in the week we were there. I can't wait to go back.

Plein Aire is for Everyone

Many people are put off the idea of painting outside because of all the kit they might have to take with them and the handling of wet oil paints. Over the years of painting en plein aire with other artists I have picked up numerous tips and have now reduced the essentials down to one small bag.
Yes, it is possible. The SAA canvas bag is an ideal size. It holds my pallet, brushes, turps pot, pallet knives, rags and up to six wet canvas boards.

Preferring to stand, I use a lightweight camera tripod, which my pochade clips on to.
I have an Open M box which I bought from the US.
If you already have a pochade there is a nifty bit of kit available from the SAA that screws onto the back of your pallet or drawing board. This then screws onto the tripod. For more versatility, I advise investing in a quick release fixing which stays on thus enabling me to set up quickly and to adjust the angle I am working at.

Paints
I use a mixture of artists' quality paints mostly Mussini, Old Holland and Michael Harding
I keep to a fairly limited palett to avoid carrying too much weight around

These are the colours I use:
Cadmium Red
Permanent Rose
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt
Cadmium Yellow
Lemon Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Umber
Alkyd Titanium White (it dries fast)

Brushes
A selection of bristle filberts, flats and a rigger. I find the Rosemary & Co Ivory range very good quality and value
The brush washer is essential. It hangs on the side of my box, has a sieve for the sludge to fall through and seals up tightly. Tip: hammer a small Toly hook on the side to hang pot on.

Canvases
I use mainly canvas board and keep to 10” – 12” and under for two reasons. I can complete a picture quicker and they are easier to transport. In the studio I prepare the board firstly by applying a coloured ground, this can be the scrapings off the pallet from the days painting to prevent waste. The next thing is to glue four matchsticks to the back. This is how I transport wet paintings, they stack on top of each other. Top one clean and taped together with masking tape.
The boards I use are Loxley or Jacksons linen oil primed, usually 10" x 12" or 10" x 10"

Travelling abroad,
I buy a roll of linen canvas which I cut into sizes 12" x 14" & 12" x 12"
I take just a few 3mm MDF boards and tape canvas onto them. Still separated by matchsticks.
At the end of the day they are then taped to the wall of my accommodation to dry. And the next day’s canvases prepared.
All I have to take home is a neat pile of canvas, which can be dry mounted on to board at home.
I use Griffin Alkyd fast drying white to ensure the pictures are dry

Now you have your kit sorted the next thing to do is to get out there.
Here are some of my top tips

Stay Warm
My best buy was some skiing trousers. Charity shops have plenty at this time of year. Also fingerless gloves and a hat are essential. Extra socks and try standing on a piece of insulation board. That stops the cold creeping up.

Location & Subject
Decide where you are going beforehand otherwise you’ll waste time driving around looking. When you arrive, spend time looking round, the first subject you saw may not be the best. Learn to be selective and don’t be afraid to leave things out. Remember you are making your picture and not copying a photograph. Try to capture the essence of the scene in front of you.

Work Small and Quickly
Speed will come with experience, working on a smaller scale will enable you to complete a painting in less time. Use larger brushes, don’t put in much detail too soon and rely on your observational skills. I hardly ever spend more than hour and a half on a painting as light and shadows can change so fast

Avoid Onlookers
This can be a major concern for the not so confident but you must remember that they are mostly genuinely interested and will admire what you are doing. Try to position yourself against a wall or object that will prevent people coming up and looking over your shoulder. Earphones whether connected or not will put people off trying to talk to you. Also, avoid eye contact. If all this fails just smile politely and say ”Sorry, I can’t talk right now as I only have a short time to get this done”

Above all, don’t get despondent. I have learnt a lot from my failures, and there have been many. It’s what keeps me painting knowing that the next one is going to be brilliant!  And just think of all that lovely fresh air that you’re getting

Join Mo on a Plein Aire painting holiday at
Dedham Hall July 25^th – 1^st August 2015