What many don't realize is that the movement of Impressionism came as a result of realist painters in Russia, known as the Wanderers. They painted rural scenes throughout Russia in the open air in order to raise social awareness for what was going on outside of the cities, such as poverty across the country, how beautiful nature itself is, and how strong a cohesive rural and urban society can be. While the Russian elite did not embrace this movement, support and talent from Armenian, Ukrainian, and Latvian artists confirmed this small group of Russian artists weren't the only ones wanting to bring social awareness to what was going on within the country.
Landscape painters generally using watercolors or oil pastels are those that practice en plein air as a form of artistic expression. Other art mediums, such as oil paints and inks, just to name a couple, can also be used for plein air painting. They are simply not as common due to the medium being more difficult to transport and work with in a brief period of time.
One must keep in mind before venturing out, that natural lighting and the outdoor atmosphere is constantly changing, which makes it difficult to complete a painting en plein air, especially in one sitting. Knowledge of the medium being used is key, yet best learned through the use of it.
Just remember that the natural light and changing
atmosphere are what allow the viewer to feel like they are stepping
inside the painting... this is what you will achieve without notice if
it's your first time painting en plein air and what you will come to
embrace more and more as you grow as a plein air painter.
En plein air, using india ink, a reed, and a natural, squirrel hair brush - Can you see how strong and majestic these two trees are off a barren lake shore?
See if you can pick out other plein air paintings in the Greiner Studio Galleries.
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