Plein air painting is the practice of creating artwork outdoors. It involves capturing the essence of a scene directly from nature, rather than relying on sketches or photographs. This method allows artists to experience and represent the changing qualities of light, colour, and atmosphere firsthand. Step into the world of outdoor painting with our carefully curated selection of high-quality plein air painting & drawing supplies and you can embark on your creative journey with confidence. We offer a wide range of products, from easels, portable palettes to brushes, and paints specifically designed to enhance your plein-air painting experience. Whether you prefer oils, watercolours, or acrylics, we have everything you need to bring your vision to life on location.
South Wales artist Peter Cronin is renowned for his evocative watercolour landscapes. With an 18-year career, he's exhibited widely, published books, and teaches art. We interviewed him about his painting style, outdoor work, and preferred materials.
Have you ever dreamt of capturing the beauty of the natural world directly onto canvas? Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, is a captivating art form that allows you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and create works of art that are truly inspired by nature. Find out more in our comprehensive blog
Plein air painting is the practice of creating art outdoors. This method allows artists to capture the natural light, colours, and atmosphere of a scene directly from life. It's a popular technique for landscape and figurative artists.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
Essential equipment for plein air painting includes a portable easel, a sturdy palette, a selection of brushes, a range of oil paints, a solvent, a palette knife, and a canvas or panel. It's also helpful to have an artist's apron, a hat, and sunscreen for protection from the elements.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLEIN AIR PAINTING?
Plein air painting offers numerous benefits, including improved observation skills, a deeper connection with nature, the ability to capture fleeting light conditions, and the development of a spontaneous and expressive style.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION?
When selecting a location for plein air painting, consider factors such as lighting conditions, composition, and accessibility. Look for scenes that inspire you and offer a variety of elements to paint.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR BEGINNERS IN PLEIN AIR PAINTING?
Start with simple subjects and focus on capturing the overall mood and atmosphere. Use limited colors and simplify forms. Practice regularly and don't be afraid to experiment.
SKY ARTS LANDSCAPE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The ‘Sky Arts Artist of the Year’ series films artists as they paint live, competing to win a £10,000 commission and to be crowned Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. The runners up also receive materials from Cass Art.
Artists at all stages of their career visit remarkable landscapes across the UK to capture the scene en plein air within 4 hours. Working with Winsor & Newton, Cass Art has supported the show since the first series in 2015.
