I have had conversations of late on the topic of
painting in the field to the studio.
Every time the topic comes up, I am struck by the mind set of some who
paint on location, or have recently started that practice. With the exception of a few, including
myself, most have this notion that it is somehow different from the studio
process. To my way of thinking, it is
not that different….or, it should not be thought of as different! Painting
on location, or (Plein air), is not a style of painting as many seem to
think. It is in fact the act of painting
outdoors in the open air.
I see a lot of
so called (Plein air) paintings that have a similar look….almost as if it were
taught! I personally don’t like the term
loose….painterly is a much more appropriate term, in my opinion. Loose has a negative connotation…..sloppy! I am a big fan of painterly paintings and
subjects suggested in a broad fashion within reason…..I certainly strive to
have my paintings be painterly. If the
imagery suggested is not of distinguishable good shapes, then in my opinion,
they are weak paintings! I am not
suggesting for one minute that abstract paintings can’t be strong paintings…..I
love good abstract paintings…..but, that is a different genre of painting!
"Bulow Sugar Plantation Ruins", 11x14, oil, (field study)
"Bulow Plantation Ruins", 24x30, oil, (Studio painting)
The point I’m trying to make is that I personally
don’t want my studies or field studies to look that much different that my
studio work. The most noticeable thing
should be the contrast in size. Generally
one does smaller field studies…..but, finished paintings can be done in larger
formats requiring multiple visits to the site to finish the larger
compositions. Generally, most artists do
the studio pieces from a sketch and photo reference taken. If one is using a location study alone, more
reason to have a study that has the feeling desired and the information needed for
the larger piece!
The two paintings here are a perfect example of what
I mean! The 11x14 field on location study
and the 24x30 studio piece are very similar.
If one didn’t know the size of each, it might be difficult to determine
which one was the (Plein Air) painting….and, which was the studio painting.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings!
Hodge Soileau OPA
