Plein Aire Painters

The effect of natural light on any work of art has been studied and documented for centuries. "En plein aire," a French expression meaning "in the open air," refers to painting outdoors, a practice made more feasible with paint in tubes. These were available beginning in the late 19th century. The very portable French box easel was another practical development in the world of art supplies that furthered the practice of painting outdoors. Some painters known for this kind of approach are:

• Claude Monet
• Camille Pissarro
• Valentin Serov
• Konstantin Korovin
• Robert William Wood
• Arthur Hill Gilbert

Tips: Plein and Simple

If you're interested in trying plein aire painting, start local. Find a good spot in your garden or neighborhood park and set up camp. Shade is helpful, so a shady tree or an umbrella can be useful. Too much shade can interfere with the color of your canvas. Remember that light shifts. Once you're set up, you can try a number of tactics to accommodate the movement of the sun. For example, you may wish to paint a series of different canvases, one at each time of day, simply switching when the light changes. Or you can sketch the main shapes in the scene first, adding detail later. Since you're out in the open, you may find an unwanted audience. If so, you can either take advantage of an unexpected social exchange or politely let them know you need to concentrate on your work without interruption. If you are concerned about losing the details of a desired panorama, take a photo. That way, you can add more to your painting later in your studio.

Learn about types of linens available:

• Claessens Belgian Linen
• Oil Primed Linen

Back Staple Fastening Method

No matter your artistic approach, you can optimize results with our canvases. Two main techniques are used to fasten our canvases to frames. The standard format is a back staple method, where the canvas is stretched taut around the frame, then secured with brass-coated staples. We also sell canvases that are spline fastened, a method that uses vinyl cording to secure the material. The back staple method is ideal for tight budgets or restretching, while spline fastening allows the canvas to lie flat against the wall.

Learn more about the different kinds of canvas we sell in our other articles.