Why I paint "En Plein Air"

Photography Credit: Todd L Church Photography

This summer I have had a great time getting outside when I can and painting en plein air.  Recently, a student in a workshop asked me, do you find that people come over and ask you a lot of questions?  There are a couple of other questions/meanings lurking behind that question.  One: is it uncomfortable for you to paint in public?  Secondly, do people interrupt your process, and wouldn't you rather that they just leave you alone?   My work has evolved, and I have started to move my work into public view through galleries and online forums.  I have been able to receive feedback from others, and the confidence in my own work has grown.   So the next challenge in my own artistic journey was to start to enter plein air competitions and see what it was like to paint outside.  My first experience in Leland was a bit humbling.  I lugged tons of gear (three trips from my car), combatted lots of bugs on the beach, and had the sun glaring off of the bright white paper.  The challenges were many!  But it is that challenge that keeps me moving forward.  It is that uncomfortable feeling that gets creativity moving--it isn't always this fluid and perfect thing.  So to tackle the first question--do I feel uncomfortable performing my art in public?  At first it is a little awkward (much like public speaking) but as you get used to it you get over it.  I have gotten over the voices in my head that try to get me to think how others feel about me and my paintings.   To tell you the truth, I couldn't care less. I am not outside painting to get noticed, and if they want to pick on me...go ahead!  And nothing says that everyone has to like your artwork.  It's my work and if they don't like it, so be it.  Plein air forces you to stop thinking about what others think about you and your work and worry about the scene and painting right in front of you.  In fact many times I am so focused on what I am painting that I forget to notice others around me, which is a little scary when it seems they just pop up out of nowhere.  Second Idea:  Do people interrupt your process and do you get a little cranky with this?  Of course they interrupt.  But mainly because they are curious, they want to see what you are doing and aren't usually accustomed to seeing an artist work.  For me it is a chance to showcase not me, but the visual arts in our community, to advocate for art, and to make a statement that creating art is still alive in the 21st century.  When people ask me questions I continue to work, but I never come off bothered... I answer and am pleasant to those around me.  I also tell them that I don't mind if they watch me paint.  When you paint plein air, visual art becomes less of a product and more of a performance.  People see the process which provides them insight to a world that is usually behind a studio door.  For me engaging with the public in this way is the fun of plein air painting.  Next week I will be in Dexter, Michigan painting en plein air during their plein air festival.  I will be posting to my facebook all week.  Follow me on my page for updates.  https://www.facebook.com/adamvanhoutenartist