Plein air painting is the sophisticated French term for "painting outside"—because everything sounds fancier in French, right? Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who just likes to doodle while on conference calls, plein air painting offers a colorful array of benefits that you won’t get from working indoors. Here are seven reasons to grab your easel and venture into the great outdoors.

1. It Helps You See Color Better Than a Photo

Forget those filtered Instagram pics and Pinterest boards—real life is where the true magic happens. When you're outside, the colors are more vibrant and varied than any photo could capture. You start to see fifty shades of green in a single tree, not to mention the subtle variations in shadows and highlights. Nature's palette is far superior to anything your camera phone can muster, and plein air painting forces you to appreciate every hue.

2. You Have to Simplify

Remember that time you tried to paint every single leaf on a tree from a photo and ended up with a green blob that looked like it was suffering an identity crisis? When painting en plein air, you learn quickly that you don’t have time for such detail. The clock is ticking and that sunset isn’t going to wait for you. You learn to capture the essence of your scene with broad strokes and bold decisions, making your painting more dynamic and freeing you from the tyranny of perfectionism.

3. Speedy Painting Before Light Changes Forces You to Get Important Info Down Quickly

The sun is a fickle mistress, constantly shifting and changing the lighting. This natural deadline trains you to paint with urgency and purpose. It’s like the Iron Chef for artists: you’ve got 30 minutes to capture that perfect golden hour glow. Ready, set, paint! You become adept at recognizing and prioritizing the crucial elements of your scene before they disappear, which translates into more confident and decisive painting.

4. Forces You to Take Only the Most Essential Equipment

Think of plein air painting as the minimalist’s dream. When you’re trekking up a hill to get that perfect view, you quickly learn what’s essential and what’s just weighing you down. Goodbye to the 36-piece brush set and hello to the three trusty brushes that can do it all. Your back and your creativity will thank you. Plus, lugging around a more manageable kit makes you feel like a rugged adventurer artist—a true modern-day Monet.

My portable studio

5. Puts You in Intimate Contact with Your Subject Matter

You don’t just see a tree—you feel the rough bark, hear the rustling leaves, and possibly even get a surprise visit from a curious squirrel. Painting outside immerses you in your subject matter in a way that working from photos never could. This intimate connection infuses your work with life and energy. Your paintings will start to tell stories of the places you've been and the things you’ve experienced, not just the images you’ve seen.

Rhodies on 24th- a 2 hr plein air painting in the rain

6. Enjoy the Outdoors

Let’s not forget one of the most obvious benefits: you get to enjoy the great outdoors! Fresh air, sunshine, the gentle chirping of birds, and the occasional awkward eye contact with passing joggers—what’s not to love? It’s a fantastic way to combine your passion for painting with some quality time in nature. Who knew that your artistic journey could also double as a mini vacation?

7. Excuses for Frequent Snacking

Let's face it: painting can be hungry work, and being outside provides the perfect excuse for a never-ending picnic. Need a break to ponder the exact shade of cerulean blue in the sky? How about a granola bar while you’re at it? Wondering how to capture that distant mountain range? Maybe a quick sip of lemonade will help. When you’re plein air painting, every decision can be punctuated with a tasty treat.

In conclusion, plein air painting is an enriching, invigorating experience that enhances your skills and brings joy to your creative process. So pack your gear, slap on some sunscreen, and head outside. Your next masterpiece—and perhaps a curious squirrel or two—awaits!