By Brienne M. Brown
So many people seem shocked that I would even attempt plein air painting in freezing temperatures. So, I would like to share with you some of the challenges and joys of winter plein air painting.
Why Even Try Plein Air Painting in the Winter?
There are many challenges to face when painting on location without even thinking about the weather. So, when it comes to painting in freezing temperatures and with snow on the ground, many can’t think why I would even bother. I hope after reading this, you will see the fascination it holds for some artists, including myself.
Brienne M. Brown, Winter Hollow, watercolor on paper, 14 x 20 inches
1. First, I feel like I am in search for the Holy Grail. This is because the most pleasant, wonderful plein air experiences I have had, have been during the winter time. For example, the painting below titled “Stillness of Winter,” I painted en plein air and it was an almost magical experience.
Sounds are always muffled with snow on the ground, and so the only sounds I could hear were the flow of the creek and a slight breeze in the air. I was dressed warmly and the sun was out, so I was totally comfortable. The temperature was just below freezing, so with just a little alcohol in my water (ethanol works better than rubbing alcohol, so vodka is good), I was able to paint with no problem.
I will admit that a more common experience is getting frozen and having to finish my painting in the studio, but I am in search of those few magical experiences again.
2. Another reason that I love plein air painting in the winter time is that almost any scene can make a good painting with snow on the ground. Even if the sun is not out, you can find a scene with good contrast. It reduces the colors and accentuates the values.
Brienne M. Brown, Home for the Holidays, watercolor on watercolor panel, 12 x 20 inches
3. There are no bugs… Need I say more?
4. I also like to plein air paint in the winter because it is a challenge. I like challenges because they help me to get better as an artist. Even if I don’t come away with a fantastic painting or experience, I have learned something. So, let’s discuss some of the particular challenges that go along with winter plein air painting.
Challenges of Winter Plein Air Painting
Here is a list of some of the challenges I have faced while plein air painting in the winter and how I have dealt with each challenge:
1. IT IS COLD! OK, this first challenge is obvious, it is cold in the winter. However, I have found that if you dress appropriately, it can be quite pleasant. I where thick socks, boots, snow pants, down coat, hat, scarf, and I have gloves that are thin enough for me to work. I may look like a puff ball, but I am warm. It is also best to go out on days when there is sun because it always feels warmer with the sun out.
2. Paint Freezes: Watercolor painting can particularly problematic when it comes to freezing. I have learned that I don’t go out if it is less than 20 degrees. I am not that crazy! Adding alcohol to the water helps the water from freezing. You can use rubbing alcohol, but I have found that white wine or vodka works better.
Sometimes the water still freezes and it is like painting with slush. When this happens, I take the painting back to my studio, let it thaw and dry, and finish it in the studio. I always get interesting textures when this happens (This happened with the painting below, though it is hard to see the textures in the photo.)
3. It is Bright! Bring sunglasses, you might need them. It can get really bright when the sun is out and the snow is on the ground.
4. Watercolor not only freezes, it doesn’t dry! This is more of a problem than the freezing. If it gets to this point, I either take it to my studio to finish, or turn on the heater in my car full blast to thaw and dry the painting.
Brienne M. Brown, Through the Woods, oil on linen panel, 18 x 24 inches
5. Oil Paints have unique issues as well! I don’t have as much experience with this, but from what I have done during the winter, I have learned that oil paints get stiffer when it is cold and that they don’t work well at all when too much snow gets in your paints. I’ve had to finish inter oil paintings in the studio because my oils paints got the texture of cottage cheese.
This is of course not a comprehensive list, but just some suggestions that I have found useful. Happy painting!
Brienne is one of 30 professional painters who offered demos during Plein Air Live, the four-day virtual conference (and the Web’s largest art-education event) streamed live and presented by Plein Air Magazine this week, March 9-11, 2023. Brienne will give her demo tomorrow on Day 1, Thursday March 9. Don’t miss it!
Happening this Week!
