PLEIN AIR
EN PLEIN AIR. The French term means out of doors and refers to the practice of painting entire pictures out of doors. Artists have long painted out of doors to create preparatory landscape sketches or studies. Before the nineteenth century finished paintings would not have been made in this way.
Having spent up to twenty years designing for the theatre where so much of my time was spent working in darkened auditoriums it is such a pleasure to be able to work out doors.
There are many challenges associated with Plein Air painting, primarily the weather conditions on the day, changing light conditions and the physical efforts required. The rewards however, are immeasurable. Not least is the sense of immersion and interaction you get in the environment. Also the heightened degree of looking and seeing required brings with it a transcendental experience.
Having spent up to twenty years designing for the theatre where so much of my time was spent working in darkened auditoriums it is such a pleasure to be able to work out doors.
There are many challenges associated with Plein Air painting, primarily the weather conditions on the day, changing light conditions and the physical efforts required. The rewards however, are immeasurable. Not least is the sense of immersion and interaction you get in the environment. Also the heightened degree of looking and seeing required brings with it a transcendental experience.
This is Deeke's Diner, situated near Poolbeg on the south side of the Dublin docks. It's a trucker's diner, converted from an old shipping container and serves as our rendezvous point when painting in the dock area. To see the original, just stop by Deeke's for coffee and ask Deeke to show it to you!
The title of this is 'Abandoned Project' The subject is a partially restored sail boat I came across it in a boat yard in Maryland USA.
This painting won Second overall in the Paint Annapolis Plein Air painting competion.
This painting won Second overall in the Paint Annapolis Plein Air painting competion.
Painted at the 12th Lock on the Grand Canal, Dublin. Shows Old canal transport system on left and new Trains station on the right.
12th Lock, Winter
Farmleigh House pond, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Forest, Dublin Mountains.
Paint Out.
Glasshouse, Malahide Castle.
Abandoned Quarry, Dalkey, County Dublin.
Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland.
Winter sunset, Virginia, County Cavan, Ireland.
Poolbeg yacht club, Dublin
Bamboo Sea Warrior, Dublin Docks.
