Plein Air Painting

Sunset painting” en plein air” in Fort Morgan, Alabama

If someone were to ask me what Heaven looks like, it would most definitely resemble this photo. There is absolutely nothing quite like painting in natural light. This evening was extra special because my daughter was with me, the sunset was stunning, and the paint was flowing! Several families walking on the beach stopped to chat or just watch the process.

En plein air, or plein air painting, is simply the act of painting from life outdoors. I learned to paint this way; perhaps that’s why the whole process is so very meaningful and exciting for me. The light is constantly changing, forcing me to speed up and ignore my fear. I use a palette knife when painting outdoors, which keeps the colors clear and gives the painting lots of texture. It’s so much fun coming home with paintings that will always remind me of these moments!