'Plein Air Strategies'

Karol Oakley led the final meeting of the Sunshine Coast group at Buderim Craft Cottage on November 18th. Her session on ‘Plein-Air Strategies’ was about all the issues and resources an artist needs to consider for plein air painting.  For most of us, it was a real eye opener! Who’d have thought about things like toilet paper and insect repellent? Or safety management? It’s a lot more than paint brushes, subject choices, and the angle of the sun!

Karol talked us through her preparations based on a reliable set of principles she’s developed and taught over the many years of her career. She also unpacked – and re-packed – her trusty backpack, kitted out with everything one could possibly need for a productive plein air session.

This was an unusual demo’ in that no painting was actually done tonight. But no (plein air) painting could be done as easily without the solid foundation Karol provided. It was all so wonderfully sensible and helpful, and aimed at ensuring we benefit from what she’s already learned about what works in practice.

The express aim was to get us out there painting – and perhaps to fall in love with plein air as Karol once had, and never looked back!