We're sure this video is going to a huge help to many artists! Especially when you're new to painting en plein air, it's hard to know what to pack and how to set up efficiently. It's absolutely true that composition can be a challenge when the whole vista is in front of you- we sometimes get dependent of the four sides of a photo. A simple viewfinder can help, even if it's just an old, throwaway mat from a frame. More sophisticated tools like the Viewcatcher can help frame a composition in any proportion. (We're not going to link it here in case Emily wants to put an affiliate link in comments)
I live in Boulder too, and it's so nice to see you paint some of my favorite places to hike. I'm sure one of these days we'll run into each other! Take good care.
Thank you so much for making a video on plen air painting!!! I’ve recently tried it myself and, “yes!” the paint dries so fast, ha! It has challenged me to find quick ways of making details…and knowing what details to add.
Thank you for this video. I was just in this area 2 weeks ago and wanted to paint so much but was overwhelmed. You gave me great suggestions! Please more plein air painting. Thank you
You have abundant talent AND skills! Please be more gentle on yourself! You'll grow weather you struggle or not, so why struggle? Do what you enjoy doing!
Wonderful video…thanks for talking us through your painting process… I am a “self-taught” plein air painter (of about 3 years) who tries to be a better painter at each outing. I love being out in nature so painting outside is perfect for me. And…your plein air adventures really inspire me to “keep on keeping on”. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring painting adventures.😊
Yes please more plein air!! I am an absolute beginner but have loved combining watercolor and hiking, even if the results aren’t nearly as nice as yours. Your videos/tutorials have been so helpful as I learn!! Also, I can solidly recommend painting opportunities around Horsetooth reservoir if you ever want to travel a bit north for short hikes and interesting scenery 😊
Emily, please don't be hard on yourself. I think that's a wonderful painting! You captured the scene perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing your skills with us!
I love the IDEA of plein air painting, and videos like these really tempt me, but unfortunately I'm thoroughly bored by painting landscapes. 😅 Anyone else got this "problem"? Thanks, Emily, for taking us along!
Yes, definitely, as I did several years of it back in the UK. I took out my ladies group on one day and another person on another, and l loved it, but looking back at some of those last UK landscapes, they have lost the 'something' they used to have. Problem now I've moved is learning more about urban sketching / painting (also plein air!!!) and also people sketching. I'm battling with a feeling of 'inadequacy' with these beautiful old buildings where I live now, and yet loving the challenge. When I'm sketching people at the cafés, I'm really quick (they don't sit there long enough to be anything else!) and I'm growing in confidence, and I need to adapt my attitude to buildings to be the same! So this may be a new challenge that you'd enjoy? Doing it alongside pastoral landscape may invigorate us to see those pastorals in a different way? I don't mean as the way we did it before, but actually seeing new ways to paint them - picking out smaller areas, looking at what's at our feet, what's under the hedge, just drawing rocks... I'm being helped a lot by Sarah about this (Burns). I used to do it at times, when I was out by myself, and need to go back and develop it more now. I'm also learning a lot alongside Emily, because the landscape around there is totally different from where I lived, and in some ways is similar to my present location, and this again means me going back and refreshing techniques I only really used on holidays! Hope this helps you in some small way? 😊
You can paint anything from life! Flowers, people, animals, buildings. Even everyday objects around the house. Once you start approaching plein air as “problem solving” and trying to create a pleasing composition with connected shapes, the subject matter really doesn’t matter. 😀
What I struggle with is caring everything. I too record video so the 2 tripods and a small folding chair(I have autoimmune disease and chronic pain so I bneed to sit) plus all the regular stuff. I tint have a lot of experience plein air painting so it is a definite challenge.
I used to go painting in the Columbia River Gorge and those paintings are such wonderful memories! It's funny that I've spent all but 3 years of my 77 in the Pacific NW and it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually studied how a Douglas fir trees was structured! We have 4 in our yard! I love that you are filming this! I do think painting en plein air did more for my painting skills than anything else, although 20 years ago it was just called painting outside. Lol!
@@EmilyOlsonArt Exactly! It changes how you see - the choices you have to make. When I realized that being able to see around something by moving over a bit, meaning I can decide to include it because it is interesting or exclude it because it's just some trash made a huge difference! Plus, painting what's in the distance - like across the Columbia River instead of what is right next to me changes everything! Looking at old paintings, it is interesting to realize that I did paint atmospherically - mountains closer to me had much more yellow in the green!
A former hiker here… I can’t physically hike anymore so your adventure is very much appreciated. You’re literally taking me places I can’t go anymore and teaching me things while you’re at it. But don’t go it for us. Do it because it makes you happy because that’s all there is in life.
Great location 🤠 I like your loose trees at the foot of the Flatirons. They are in the distance; it works. I agree with all of your plein air thoughts! Being present in the moment is the best way to put brush to paper. 🎉bravo! (LOL yes schlepping is a pain-thanks for making the effort)❤
Love these videos. I’ve just got my little kit ready and hope to get outside and attempt some painting. It’s scary just thinking about it! I’m new to watercolour so it’s going to be a big challenge.
Thank You for the adventure of the great outdoors. The way you paint does invoke me to practise. I have tried it a few times and found that the weather always quickly dries out my paper. As you say practise practice practise
Yes to more plein air painting! It’s something I want to start but I’m afraid of how hard it’s going to be 😂 I LOVE how honest you are in this because I could never imagine you struggling with any art subject. Refreshing, real and super interesting! Thank you for being brave enough to share ❤
Love this video. We have a Plein Air painting event nearby in a few weeks that I was going to try. It is 6 hours long, and I thought that was too long for my first attempt. This video helped me understand the materials you need, so that was super helpful. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing - it’s all about the enjoyment of painting . A friend who,taught at the Famous Artists school had a favorite saying “ Learning to see “ She was a fabulous artist - ( at least I thought so )
Emily I loved this video and would love to see more of plein aire. I haven't done much in watercolor outside (mostly oil) so I am learning a lot from you!!
Hullo Emily, I was reminded of “The wind also rises” a studio Gibley film were young woman is out trying to paint plein air and her umbrella is taken away by a storm! Yep umbrellas are necessary many times when painting outside! I thought you did a good job and I look forward to seeing what else you might come up with when you get back to the studio. Until then be safe take care and have a lovely day!
oooo! Yes! Love the plein aire paintings. I want to get better at it myself. I'm still struggling with eliminating the detail at first, but, working on it. When you've been a botanical artist, landscape doing plein aire is hard not to see the detail right off. Thanks for lugging all your equipment so we can share in the painting.
Amazing!! I have to admit, I don’t do thumb nail sketches : / but after watching you, I’m thinking I better start learning! Your painting was beautiful and I’d love to see more plein air paintings. You make me want to go out and find something to paint, I have to say, your scenery is so much more beautiful than mine. 😂
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts about the plein air process. I'm just starting my second season of painting outdoors, and I'm glad to hear that it's normal to struggle with value and colour due to the intense light. I've been trying to use a value scale, but I usually get so into the actual painting that I forget to trot it out and check myself. Ah well! It's just practice, right? :-)
Yes please, more plein air. I’ve been trying to get out for the past couple of years but have only just got a tripod and a travel easel. I feel so free when I’m out painting, it’s such a release from stress. Anything you can do to share composition thoughts woukd be great too. This was excellent especially seeing the wildlife!
Thank you so much for your videos. Your honest, friendly style is so refreshing. I feel like I am painting with my bff😊I will join your masterly class! Tera
You need to be kind to yourself, I loved your little painting and thought it was just great! I love seeing you getting outside and painting and you have really inspired me to try it myself!
Hi, Emily! I just subscribed today. Thank you for your honesty as it helps me not give up. I love your ending statement about not being discouraged if every painting attempt is not a masterpiece! It’s practice!! I need to keep reminding myself of that. Do you have videos or suggestions on how to simplify watercolor mixing and color choice? I feel it’s hit or miss.
One thing I notice about Bob Ross' approach to painting "happy little trees" is he often used a fan brush, whether the trees were far off or close up, and it seemed to simulate leaves and branches just enough so they didn't look like plain blobs. Great vlog, and a nice painting! (The bonus was getting to see those people in the background running super-fast like in a Benny Hill video!)
Hi Emily… I just absolutely adore your personality. I am so glad to have found you on here. Can you please share the camera bag you are wearing in this video? Thanks
I love your approach which encourages starters like me. I'm not always trying to replicate what you are painting, but I learn so much from the basic techniques that you demonstrate and try to use them in my paintings. Thanks a lot.
I really like your painting, the clouds are perfect. 😊This might be a weird question but what do you do if you need the bathroom when out plein air painting for hours? I’ve not really tried plein air painting yet, the bathroom bit bothers me.
Emily, I love your videos! Your approach to teaching is simple, concise, and easy to follow. Your humility is admirable and makes you so much more relatable than other teachers out there. Thank you for sharing the outdoors with us, and opening a whole new world of watercolor painting to this beginner!! I’m looking forward to more plein air❤
Hi Emily, Thank you for your plein air video. I've only done that once in my back yard, it came out not so good. I'd like to see more and I do love landscapes and seascapes!
I take people out to plein air paint once a month. I am new to outdoor painting (2 years) but love to be out in nature. Thank you so much for sharing your painting adventures with us.😊
I thought it was all wonderful. Loved it!
Thank you so much!
We're sure this video is going to a huge help to many artists! Especially when you're new to painting en plein air, it's hard to know what to pack and how to set up efficiently. It's absolutely true that composition can be a challenge when the whole vista is in front of you- we sometimes get dependent of the four sides of a photo. A simple viewfinder can help, even if it's just an old, throwaway mat from a frame. More sophisticated tools like the Viewcatcher can help frame a composition in any proportion. (We're not going to link it here in case Emily wants to put an affiliate link in comments)
Yes to the viewfinder tool!
@@EmilyOlsonArt So glad you agree! Pretty slick aviators, BTW!
Yes!! Love the plein air videos! Appreciate any help I can get regarding that And composition 😊
You bet!
I live in Boulder too, and it's so nice to see you paint some of my favorite places to hike. I'm sure one of these days we'll run into each other! Take good care.
Say hi if you ever see me! 🙂
@@EmilyOlsonArt I will! xo
Excellent teaching video. I really like your approach to painting. And yes more plein air. Thanks
So glad you enjoyed it!
This was a great video! Please continue to share how to plein air paint and help dispel the t probably a lot of us are feeling
Thank you so much for making a video on plen air painting!!! I’ve recently tried it myself and, “yes!” the paint dries so fast, ha! It has challenged me to find quick ways of making details…and knowing what details to add.
You are so welcome!
Yes to more plein air! LOVE that shirt! These videos are so inspiring. Appreciate you keeping it real about things you're working on! Thanks!
Make yourself a sun diffuser for your painting too. May help
Looks good
Thank you for this video. I was just in this area 2 weeks ago and wanted to paint so much but was overwhelmed. You gave me great suggestions! Please more plein air painting. Thank you
Glad I could help!
Emily, you have beautiful clouds and landscape. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Love your painting! Yes would like to see more plain air videos. Thanks Emily.
You got it!
That looks really good! Thank you for teaching and sharing!
would love to give this a try. looks quite intimidating! Good content!
Go for it! 🙌
Videos like this are so so helpful, especially for those of us just starting with plein air. Thank you!
You have abundant talent AND skills! Please be more gentle on yourself! You'll grow weather you struggle or not, so why struggle? Do what you enjoy doing!
Wonderful video…thanks for talking us through your painting process…
I am a “self-taught” plein air painter (of about 3 years) who tries to be a better painter at each outing. I love being out in nature so painting outside is perfect for me. And…your plein air adventures really inspire me to “keep on keeping on”. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring painting adventures.😊
Dear Emily, I am in the process of painting one of your Plein Air tutorials. I like them very much. Will today's video be among them?
Hi Eva! This one will not be a full tutorial, but I will definitely consider doing another. 😌
Yes to more plein air videos!
Yes please more plein air!! I am an absolute beginner but have loved combining watercolor and hiking, even if the results aren’t nearly as nice as yours. Your videos/tutorials have been so helpful as I learn!! Also, I can solidly recommend painting opportunities around Horsetooth reservoir if you ever want to travel a bit north for short hikes and interesting scenery 😊
Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Emily, please don't be hard on yourself.
I think that's a wonderful painting!
You captured the scene perfectly.
Thank you so much for sharing your skills with us!
You are very humble and generous. I learn a lot from watching your videos. Thank you.
Fabulous. Yes, please continue filming plein air for us.
Will do!
Thumbnail sketches seem like a great idea, I might give it a try 😊
Let me know what you think! 😉
I love the IDEA of plein air painting, and videos like these really tempt me, but unfortunately I'm thoroughly bored by painting landscapes. 😅 Anyone else got this "problem"?
Thanks, Emily, for taking us along!
Yes, definitely, as I did several years of it back in the UK. I took out my ladies group on one day and another person on another, and l loved it, but looking back at some of those last UK landscapes, they have lost the 'something' they used to have.
Problem now I've moved is learning more about urban sketching / painting (also plein air!!!) and also people sketching. I'm battling with a feeling of 'inadequacy' with these beautiful old buildings where I live now, and yet loving the challenge. When I'm sketching people at the cafés, I'm really quick (they don't sit there long enough to be anything else!) and I'm growing in confidence, and I need to adapt my attitude to buildings to be the same!
So this may be a new challenge that you'd enjoy? Doing it alongside pastoral landscape may invigorate us to see those pastorals in a different way? I don't mean as the way we did it before, but actually seeing new ways to paint them - picking out smaller areas, looking at what's at our feet, what's under the hedge, just drawing rocks... I'm being helped a lot by Sarah about this (Burns). I used to do it at times, when I was out by myself, and need to go back and develop it more now.
I'm also learning a lot alongside Emily, because the landscape around there is totally different from where I lived, and in some ways is similar to my present location, and this again means me going back and refreshing techniques I only really used on holidays!
Hope this helps you in some small way? 😊
You can paint anything from life! Flowers, people, animals, buildings. Even everyday objects around the house. Once you start approaching plein air as “problem solving” and trying to create a pleasing composition with connected shapes, the subject matter really doesn’t matter. 😀
Love following your plein air adventures x
Thanks Julie!
oh yes it is worthy for you to carry all this heavy filming gear . your plein air videos are so motivational !!!
Aw I appreciate that!
Great video! Enjoyed hearing the thoughts you put into prepping for your sketch. Great advice. :)
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
Me: Noticing how ripped Emily is and wondering how much she works out. Emily: Complaining her back pack is heavy. LOLOL
🤣 I’m such I whiner!
I love your Plein air videos, and I need that shirt! ❤❤❤
Thank you!
What I struggle with is caring everything. I too record video so the 2 tripods and a small folding chair(I have autoimmune disease and chronic pain so I bneed to sit) plus all the regular stuff. I tint have a lot of experience plein air painting so it is a definite challenge.
Yes, it gets heavy really quick! On my last trip I ended up using my iPhone for almost everything!
Great painting!!! I’m going to go back and see what colors you used for layers and in what order for the mountains.
I used to go painting in the Columbia River Gorge and those paintings are such wonderful memories! It's funny that I've spent all but 3 years of my 77 in the Pacific NW and it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually studied how a Douglas fir trees was structured! We have 4 in our yard! I love that you are filming this! I do think painting en plein air did more for my painting skills than anything else, although 20 years ago it was just called painting outside. Lol!
Thanks for the nice comment, Kathleen! Yes, plein air painting certainly grows our painting skills like none other!
@@EmilyOlsonArt Exactly! It changes how you see - the choices you have to make. When I realized that being able to see around something by moving over a bit, meaning I can decide to include it because it is interesting or exclude it because it's just some trash made a huge difference! Plus, painting what's in the distance - like across the Columbia River instead of what is right next to me changes everything! Looking at old paintings, it is interesting to realize that I did paint atmospherically - mountains closer to me had much more yellow in the green!
Ÿes...keep doing plein air.......
A former hiker here… I can’t physically hike anymore so your adventure is very much appreciated. You’re literally taking me places I can’t go anymore and teaching me things while you’re at it. But don’t go it for us. Do it because it makes you happy because that’s all there is in life.
Aw thanks for sharing this! I am excited to make more videos like this (for you AND me! :))
Great location 🤠 I like your loose trees at the foot of the Flatirons. They are in the distance; it works.
I agree with all of your plein air thoughts! Being present in the moment is the best way to put brush to paper. 🎉bravo!
(LOL yes schlepping is a pain-thanks for making the effort)❤
Love these videos. I’ve just got my little kit ready and hope to get outside and attempt some painting. It’s scary just thinking about it! I’m new to watercolour so it’s going to be a big challenge.
Thank You for the adventure of the great outdoors. The way you paint does invoke me to practise. I have tried it a few times and found that the weather always quickly dries out my paper. As you say practise practice practise
Foliage is my nightmare too lol
But you've captured it beautifully. It looks amazing,
Yes to more plein air painting! It’s something I want to start but I’m afraid of how hard it’s going to be 😂 I LOVE how honest you are in this because I could never imagine you struggling with any art subject. Refreshing, real and super interesting! Thank you for being brave enough to share ❤
We are our greatest critic, what I seen was gorgeous. So y’all need to quite being so hard on yourself. Tfs
Love this video. We have a Plein Air painting event nearby in a few weeks that I was going to try. It is 6 hours long, and I thought that was too long for my first attempt. This video helped me understand the materials you need, so that was super helpful. Thanks!
This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Love the sky. I struggle with foliage as well The mind of watercolor is good with this. Great video.
Thanks for sharing - it’s all about the enjoyment of painting . A friend who,taught at the Famous Artists school had a favorite saying “ Learning to see “
She was a fabulous artist - ( at least I thought so )
Loved it ! Please carry on showing how to practice plein air ! Very useful ! And your painting is lovely !
def looks like a gorgeous place to paint🙂 def need an umbrella tho, for the art and also for you
Emily I loved this video and would love to see more of plein aire. I haven't done much in watercolor outside (mostly oil) so I am learning a lot from you!!
Wow youre so muscular!! Thats awesome, you go girl!
Hullo Emily, I was reminded of “The wind also rises” a studio Gibley film were young woman is out trying to paint plein air and her umbrella is taken away by a storm! Yep umbrellas are necessary many times when painting outside! I thought you did a good job and I look forward to seeing what else you might come up with when you get back to the studio. Until then be safe take care and have a lovely day!
oooo! Yes! Love the plein aire paintings. I want to get better at it myself. I'm still struggling with eliminating the detail at first, but, working on it. When you've been a botanical artist, landscape doing plein aire is hard not to see the detail right off. Thanks for lugging all your equipment so we can share in the painting.
Oh yes-I get it! I struggle with seeing big shapes FIRST, too. 😌
Amazing!! I have to admit, I don’t do thumb nail sketches : / but after watching you, I’m thinking I better start learning! Your painting was beautiful and I’d love to see more plein air paintings. You make me want to go out and find something to paint, I have to say, your scenery is so much more beautiful than mine. 😂
The thumbnail sketch really helps! 👍
I would love to see more plein air paintings with your thought process. Thanks.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
Yes to the plein air. It's what attracted me to your RUclips channel. Thank you.
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts about the plein air process. I'm just starting my second season of painting outdoors, and I'm glad to hear that it's normal to struggle with value and colour due to the intense light. I've been trying to use a value scale, but I usually get so into the actual painting that I forget to trot it out and check myself. Ah well! It's just practice, right? :-)
I love seeing your plain aire paintings. You are a good teacher. You give lots of information in a brief video.
Thanks, Sharon!
Yes please, more plein air. I’ve been trying to get out for the past couple of years but have only just got a tripod and a travel easel. I feel so free when I’m out painting, it’s such a release from stress. Anything you can do to share composition thoughts woukd be great too. This was excellent especially seeing the wildlife!
Thank you so much for your videos. Your honest, friendly style is so refreshing. I feel like I am painting with my bff😊I will join your masterly class! Tera
Aw I love that! Thank you!
Emily that is beautiful!! I've never done plein air but you have encouraged me to do so. Thank yoh!!
I'm so glad!
Thank you for another great video and YES, please continue with your plein air series. Thanks again for all you do, its really helpful.
Thanks, will do!
I really enjoyed watching your process of painting outdoors!
I would love to see more!
More to come!
You need to be kind to yourself, I loved your little painting and thought it was just great! I love seeing you getting outside and painting and you have really inspired me to try it myself!
Thank you! Cheers!
Hey Emily, I would love to get one of those "Plein Air Is My Happy Place" t-shirts you designed! Do you have them for sale anywhere?
Muy interesante.....gracias saludos desde España🇪🇸
You seem very organized with your equipment for plein aire painting. I think you captured the clouds beautifully.
Hi, Emily! I just subscribed today. Thank you for your honesty as it helps me not give up. I love your ending statement about not being discouraged if every painting attempt is not a masterpiece! It’s practice!! I need to keep reminding myself of that. Do you have videos or suggestions on how to simplify watercolor mixing and color choice? I feel it’s hit or miss.
One thing I notice about Bob Ross' approach to painting "happy little trees" is he often used a fan brush, whether the trees were far off or close up, and it seemed to simulate leaves and branches just enough so they didn't look like plain blobs. Great vlog, and a nice painting! (The bonus was getting to see those people in the background running super-fast like in a Benny Hill video!)
Hi Emily… I just absolutely adore your personality. I am so glad to have found you on here. Can you please share the camera bag you are wearing in this video? Thanks
I love your approach which encourages starters like me. I'm not always trying to replicate what you are painting, but I learn so much from the basic techniques that you demonstrate and try to use them in my paintings. Thanks a lot.
Glad the videos are helpful!
Hi! We go to FlatIrons Vista often! The wildflowers are starting to come out! Thanks for sharing! Kathy B.
Pleinair painting is challenging! I so appreciate hearing your approach and thoughts as you paint. Thank you!
Had the longest day at work and I’m too exhausted to paint or embroider but watching this will let me enjoy it vicariously through you! Lol thanks
I really like your painting, the clouds are perfect. 😊This might be a weird question but what do you do if you need the bathroom when out plein air painting for hours? I’ve not really tried plein air painting yet, the bathroom bit bothers me.
Yes more! 🎉
Great job on the water scene. I loved the color in the rock
Thank you very much!
Great adventure and painting!!! Loved it!❤
Thank you so much 😀
My watercolor group does Plein air all summer. Yours turned out great! Would love to see more!
Can I please have your daily schedule, how you had time to go out and paint with kids
Im pretty sure youre the one who has me wanting to go outside and paint so yes, more please! 😃❤️
Just found your channel- you are inspirational!
I love your plein air painting videos! More please!
Emily, I love your videos! Your approach to teaching is simple, concise, and easy to follow. Your humility is admirable and makes you so much more relatable than other teachers out there. Thank you for sharing the outdoors with us, and opening a whole new world of watercolor painting to this beginner!! I’m looking forward to more plein air❤
What a kind comment! Thank you!
Hi Emily, Thank you for your plein air video. I've only done that once in my back yard, it came out not so good. I'd like to see more and I do love landscapes and seascapes!
Sure thing!
Emily, girl you work out! 💪🏻
I take people out to plein air paint once a month. I am new to outdoor painting (2 years) but love to be out in nature. Thank you so much for sharing your painting adventures with us.😊
Nice work!
Please yes to more plain air demos!
You got it!
Very cool. But, cannot see your thumbnail. sketches at all. Need closeups or heavier lines.
Are you a body builder?
Hah hah, no!