You mention of looking up to other artists, inspired by them and comparing your work to them...you are that artist to others (at least me!). Your art is beautiful (whether play/practice, studies, or finished pieces) and showing your processes and ups or downs along the way helps me to learn new ways or techniques (and reminds me to be less critical of my work, and enjoy the art journey).
A painting never fails when you spend a few hours celebrating the beauty of life and the world. That is what another plein air painter profoundly told me on a day when I was struggling. I also show the good and bad results in my UA-cam videos and consider the videos as my journal of progress as an artist. This was such a wonderful video and honest commentary. You are far too critical of your work. The result was outstanding. I especially loved your boldness of repeatedly pushing the distant rock farther back by boldly painting over everything with lighter values. Thanks for sharing.
"A painting never fails when you spend a few hours celebrating the beauty of life and the world." That's a beautiful sentiment! I should post that near my computer
I was thinking the same thing as you were talking. I do like the way your underpainting comes through and that is difficult to accomplish with gouache. I’m an oil painter learning gouache and while I could do something similar with oils, my gouache would become mud. Thank you for the video!!!!!
When you share your struggles you normalize it for the rest of us. I appreciate your candor and openness with your struggle, because we ALL feel this way sometimes! Great video, and its a gorgeous painting.
I love that you're sharing this! When every artists' social media is so curated towards perfection, it can make it even more daunting for beginners, but definitely an imperfect drawing session is something anyone who's ever tried plein air can relate to! I quite liked your painting, definitely into that very excellent magenta underpainting. That is such a fun colour to put underneath! I'd definitely enjoy a part 2! Thank you for sharing! (And I really want an ice cream now...)
Thank you! And yea I totally agree. In fact nowadays I just get turned off by an Instagram feed of perfection. It just feels fake. I mean I get that they are sort of using it as a portfolio but I don't know. I'm over it 🤣
I loved your video! Stop worrying Sarah and just paint! You have a wonderful gift! I have learned much from what you have shared. Look forward to part 2! Martha G
There's that wonderful, refreshing, heartstrings-tugging, irrepressible authenticity that is your inimitable hallmark, Sarah & I hope you never let it go. This video was like a miracle salve to my lacerated ego/pummeled self-esteem & I've no doubt Lessons Learned Part Deux would be a boon & a tonic to many of us who continue the struggle to create art that is enjoyable in terms of process & result. You are & continue to be such a gift!
Your honesty was so refreshing. Everyone who ventures out to paint goes through the same struggle. I imagine you have ingrained memories of that setting that will stay with you. The learning and the journey creates better paintings. Glad you treated yourself to ice cream!
This is up in my favorite videos you have done as it helps to hear how you talk yourself down off of a concern and show that it is worth finishing even a painting that is challenging! Thank you for posting this one!
"Never have I been so unlucky with the weather. Never three suitable days in succession, so I have to be always making changes, for everything is growing and turning green. And I had dreamt of painting the Creuse just as we saw it! In short, by dint of changes I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, and then there is the river that shrinks, swells again, green one day, then yellow, sometimes almost dry, and which tomorrow will be a torrent, after the terrible rain that is failing at the moment. " Claude Monet in his letter to Gustave Geffroy. Next time I'll think other artists got it all covered, I will think about Monsieur Monet, complaining about his experience of plein-air painting!
Thank you Sarah for your courage in showing the successes as well as the struggles as you continue your art journey. At my age I've come to realize that it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran the struggle is always there in one form or another. So, learn to embrace the struggle early on and dance like nobody is watching or, in our case, slap some paint with joyous, childlike glee! It's all good.
You have a backpack, you could have a very small plastic tarp in it so you could sit and cover yourself for rainy days. Even inexpensive shower curtains from a dollar general would be helpful.
@@SarahBurnsStudio I've never regretted having one in my backpack. It's lovely to sit in a sweet rain like you were having watching drops falling on blades of grass or on sand or in the water. After the rain colors just pop and give beautiful highlights on botanicals. Almost meditative to sit in nature and water the rain around you and not get wet. :)
I cried three quarters through the video for how much I could relate. THANK YOU for sharing this and I really hope you upload a part 2 (if you feel like doing it of course). You inspired me so much that I picked up the brushes again today; I'll keep your words in mind as I paint ❤ So often I want to paint and start scrolling through the thousands (!!) reference images I have collected over time and feel so overwhelmed by nature's beauty that I give up even trying because I know I won't do it justice. Even though I know, as you say most artists do, that unless you practice you can't improve and is totally natural to mess up as you learn, my self-critical brain gives me such a hard time that often I give up altogether before even starting Keep up the amazing work Sarah!
Most people fail painting but we do not always see it. Its Honest to show the struggles and it lets your viewers know that there are bad days and good.
Enjoyed it so much, will be waiting for the part 2. You must have been so lucky and blessed to have things you need, esp. the amazing places and views you have. Keep painting, please. I badly need something to watch to divert my depression. Cuz I am extremely sad. Thank you for sharing. Be blessed! 🙏
This is so very honest. Plein air painters have all been there. We tend to forget the initial struggle of getting to that "just right" painting spot and dealing with the fast changes in the light.
Thank you for sharing your authentic experience. I appreciate watching an artist work through their emotional experience as they work. I learn more and makes me more brave to keep going. Love your work, and your courage!
I have been watching your videos for a short while. I am an urban sketcher and mostly work in watercolor.I am a profession artist selling my encaustic paintings and ceramics for over 45 years. I also teach. I get what you are trying to convey with this video that sometimes we have a hard day and struggle. However I really don’t believe that there are “ mistakes”in art, nor “failures”. Everyday is an art day and we create and express ourselves. Using those negative words , I feel, just beats yourself up, pulls you backwards and it feels terrible. I say just keep moving forward , turn the page in the sketchbook, start another painting. Self criticism is hurtful and I think, sends the artist backward.. You are an amazing artist, very sensitive and have a great touch with the paint. Carry on!
Miss Burns, you are so real... This is what it takes to be a successful artist. First we have to be successful humans, right? To not have anything blocking our own experience. This allows our art to unfold. You are well on the way in both arenas as I experience you. Thanks for all that you give. Gyps ❤️
Thankyou, thankyou, thankYOU! I truly appreciate what you've shared with us here today, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, thankyou for choosing the road less traveled💗
I'm so glad you addressed the setup-and-startout struggle, and also the exhaustion from pushing a painting you're not too keen about...lol. I'm suffering from that big time...thank you ☺
Thank you for sharing this video! I have started trying to do plein air painting and it is so challenging! I often forget that it is challenging for others too when I just see videos where it seems so easy for everyone else. Thanks for being vulnerable with us. And yes, a part 2 would be lovely. 😊
Thank you Sarah for sharing this video. Yes l understand all of what you have said. Painting outside deffinately has its challenges. I live on the West coast of Scotland, and the light is constantly at play, making me change direction with what I'm trying to do. It's always good to know that others feel the same. I regularly chicken out and go to my camera for help, and go home with half finished works and use the photos to help me finish. You've encouraged me to try a bit harder 😊 thanks again x
I think more of us are paralysed by our inner fears than we let on. Bravo to you for just getting out there!! You are an inspiration to me (an novice painter at 61y.o.! LOL!) to venture forth and PAINT! We all have something to say in this world, no matter how small our contribution may seem….
Excellent video…it’s a relief to see someone else struggle….I thought I was the only one going through the same plain air cycle of “omg it’s fab, I want to paint it All….omg I don’t know where to start……omg I don’t know what I’m doing…..aaaarrrggghhhhh”🤣🤣🤣 THANK YOU for posting this!
Beautiful result! It helps so much to see your whole process and hear some of your internal dialogue. I feel better about my work, and am looking forward to getting outside!
Sarah, this helped me so much I almost started crying. My daughter lived in Scotland for a year during the pandemic I was supposed to go see her and of course that got shut down. You remind me of her!( You even look like her.) She is a watercolor artist as well. I love your style and honesty❤ . Super helpful for those of us who struggle constantly. Been doing watercolor for about 5 years with a few successes only you have inspired me to try plein air so I'm going to try to rig up some kind of simple setup. Yes on part two! Thank you thank you thank you.
Wow that's amazing to hear!! I know it can be intimidating to start.. I started really small and simple with postcard size paper and a mini watercolor palette (Cotman)
Awesome…💕 you do d a wonderful job of juggling your backpack, art box, walking a distance, etc. try not to be so hard on yourself 🥰 I throughly enjoyed your expedition. I never get tired of seeing how amazing the colors are, the grass, rocks, water splashing on the beach, and the different colors of the sky as the sun plays amongst the clouds! It would be so hard to decide what to paint! It is all just breathtaking 😍😍😍😍 I can see why you would be physically tired. You have walked quite a distance and had to continually dodge the rain…☔️☔️ Get some rest. See you in your next video. 💕💕💕
I know exactly how you felt. After a looooong break from art, I took a trip alone to the Grand Canyon. I hauled so many art supplies and had very high hopes of reviving my old self. The beauty of that place was so overwhelming that I couldn't draw or paint anything for days. So I started with a flower. Then a tree. Then a path. Eventually, I made a sketch of the canyon from the south rim. I saw the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. It is burned into my mind because I painted it. That was thirty years ago, but feels like yesterday. I love your work and thank you for inspiring us.
Wow thank you for sharing your story! I can't imagine witnessing something like that - I think I would need several days just to take it all in first, as you did :)
Just found you today….love that you share the good with the frustrations on plein air. To find such a beautiful spot must have overwhelmed your senses…nothing like that in West Texas for sure. It would be nice for a part 2 but as you said, we will see. PS love the gouache/watercolor. Your pink was very interesting to me. Thanks for the video.
Thank you! It was so great of you to share this!! 👌. I completely relate - I once lugged art supplies 4000 km to paint the Norwegian fiords, and was so awestruck I barely opened my sketchbook. 😅. The landscape where you were painting is truly stunning! Your choice of the pink ground was perfect, and I enjoyed the playful calligraphy. My complements to you and to your photographer - you both did it justice.
WOW That's intense!! But hopefully you can go back someday and do more art :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the compliment (I'm my own photographer and do all my own filming/editing)
Thank you Sarah for sharing that feeling of overwhelm that is sometimes felt at the beginning of a painting. It is a scary feeling that sometimes stops me from doing and requires me to dig deep to snap myself out of it. It’s comforting to know that even the seasoned painters deal with it.
This is a spectacular spot! I tried plein air painting once and it was stressful! A snake slithered past me and it rained too! It does help you commune with nature and get inspired though. Thank you so much for showing us your process and behind the scenes...the good, the bad, and the ugly! We all have them. Your painting turned out beautifully though, even if not what you hoped for.
Omg a snake?? I would RUN..unless it was a tiny cute one. But yea, the elements can be so difficult to maneuver around. You kinda get used it. I get rained/winded out of half my sessions. I always remind myself that it's still worth to go out and connect with nature.
It’s beautiful, I love the water. I think sometimes we base the results on what we felt; like if we felt uncomfortable and fearful during the process, then we think it’s a bad painting. Me looking at it without the experience, I just see a beautiful loose painting. The repainted one looks good too, nice and clean; they are both great.
This was so good to see. Thank you for sharing and encouraging for those of us very new to plein air. I have this size pochade box I’ve hardly used. It was good to see your set up. Love the colors in the water and cliffs!
Very good to see the logistics of setting up. I have a wooden box for painting, but rarely use it. I now prefer to use a clipboard, with lots of bulldog clips. Water can be held between 2 clips, with elastic bands and the water pot in the middle of both clips. I glue lollipop sticks along one side, to hep hold my sketchbook in place, acting like a shelf to rest it on. Large elastic bands to hold down sketchbook pages are also useful.
Gosh, I don't even do plein air and wasn't ever interested in it, but I just LOVE your videography and that's mainly why I watch these! Just absolutely breathtaking! Also, it's so wonderful to find another artist on youtube who focuses on nature, I tend to avoid paintings and art of people, I just think that nature is so much more interesting and beautiful. I can even find beauty in my small backyard, and even in a flower pot! All the micro plants and insects, our climate is very similar to Scotland, in Canada. I'm mostly a botanical artist but I love your landscapes they are so gorgeous!
I found your channel only a couple of days ago. Im a much older woman at 36 lol but i remember being 12 and wanting to art in school and being told no by a teacher. That i was useless and since i didnt draw much there was no point at all. That was 24 years ago and it played on me for the last 24 years. I watch youtubers and buy supplies but never use them. I dont know what it is about your channel but ive been binging your videos for a couple of days and today i set up my watercolour palette and im now sat down ready to swatch them. Thank you
Well done. It’s refreshing to see such honesty and I think the painting turned out pretty good despite how you felt about it. You are so right that so much of social media and UA-cam portray an artificial perfect world where everything always works out great. The reality is we all struggle in our creativity and only sometimes are successful. I think failure and success can make interesting stories.
I can not express fully how much this meant to me that you were brave enough to post this video! I will send this to several painter friends of mine. Please do a part two! Sarah you are so awesome!
Hi Sarah, this is more or less exactly how I felt when I started plein air painting! Overwhelmed by everything, distracted by just anything that was changing (light, weather, whatever), and somehow intimidated by being out there and painting. But (now comes the good part ;) ): the more I just went out and got through all that and through all my frustrations, the more I learmed to deal with all the stuff. And after a while I did not care about any of that anymore. Little by little, I learned how to handle myself and the conditions, when anything was disturbing. And right now, there is not much anymore, that will keep me from my focus of painting. For me, it took quite a while to feel comfortable painting outdoors, maybe one or two years. But it was worth it :). Looking forward to other honest videos :)! Best, Svenja
Yes, it does get easier when I do it more often. I think part of the struggle comes from the fact that I'm recording my plein air adventures, not all of them, but a lot, so it's another big added pressure. When I go out on my own without the camera I'm much more relaxed. Although I still have bad days!
All the textures of the rocks and sand... I'd love to see you paint that. And the rocks that you balanced... That would be an amazing little painting too!
Thank you so much for sharing Sarah, it's so helpful to know that you, being such a great artist, struggle as much as a novice like myself. I too get completely overwhelmed by the beauty and feel like there is no way I can recreate it in a painting, I usually give up and move on!
Please don’t feel pressured! I love everything you do! And I even loved more you sharing your “struglings” and vulnerability! Speaking by myself I feel that way so often! I really love your paintings! Big hug!
Very nice view of everything. Despite the pressure from nature’s lighting, your work turned out great. Can’t wait to try Gouache soon after watching this. 😀Thanks for sharing!
As a spoonie with EDS, I can totally honor your spoonlessness! I totally understand exactly the upsidedowness of being in 2 totally different weathers and being torn between. But the end, and the ice cream, both just said "summer" to me! Thank you!
I relate to all you've shared about the effort it can be to paint outdoors - the intimidation, the feeling of being overwhelmed, not being able to make a decision about what to paint, the sudden changes in lighting. It helps me to take a few photos of the lighting when it is especially appealing, then I refer to a photo to stay on track when the lighting changes.
Thank you so much for sharing this. As a beginner, it’s really discouraging to never see or hear about artists struggling on social media. I want to be a great artist but I’m not yet. Thank you for inspiring me with your courage. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone with my artist anxiety. Ps. Your painting was fantastic. I loved the colors you used in the water.
Thank you and welcome! I was the same when I started..many times I almost gave up. That's why I especially find it important to share the truth of how it is to grow as an artist.
Out of topic comments here: 1. really like your hat, I will look for a similar hat for myself. 2. random thought - you are very good looking : ) 3. those picturesque nature shots are breathtaking.
TFS! It was worth every second. Love the pink under painting idea. I'm new to gouache painting. It's been hard to work with. I've done oil painting and watercolor for many years, switched to gouache as I travel in an rv and gouache is somewhat similar to oils, the thicker paint and layering, but it's also very different to work with, so still learning. Love your channel!
Really enjoyed this and am excited to see part 2. Love watching the plein air process including the setting up and deciding what to paint. Your painting is lovely Sarah. New subscriber from this video.
I love the painting! And I would love a part 2 to see what you would change. I really love your drone work too! I got my husband a drone for fathers day and I keep telling him about your drone captures :)
I just found you and how amazing. I love this video. I would love to go to Scotland, however I don’t think I’d want to come home. Absolutely beautiful video. 🙋🏻♀️ hello from Southern California
Hello! I imagine Southern Cali is also beautiful. I have only ever been to Santa Monica for a trip, but always wanted to visit Northern CA and especially see the redwoods!
I love your authenticity, and it's such treat to see such beautiful scenery! Really enjoying this. :) Edited to add: I really like how the painting turned out - the colours were gorgeous (that pink underpainting 🖤) and I'd love to see a part two to see how you might change it if you decide to do a second version!
Wonderful!! Just found your channel, I'm building up courage to plein air. I'm in Florida,US, a beautiful state, but long a experience the cliffs and colors of Scotland!! Planning to travel, Scotland is top of destination list 🎨👏👏
Sarah! I almost took a bite out of my ipad as you were waving that amazing looking cone slowly around. Omg mad crave at 845AM. 😉 Seriously, LOVE your videos and message as always.
I think it's great you share these. I'm not sure what your personal lessons learned ended up being. One thing I felt, was that one needs to carefully consider reconsidering their painting midway. Sometimes, it saves the paintings, but sometimes it just turns it into a mess or moves it away from the original vision or intent. In this video, around 18:20, you came back from a walk and decided to redo the entire back cliff. Were you satisfied with change? Did it move you closer to the vision you were trying to portray? I can only guess. I liked the earlier version, as I felt it was more like what I was seeing in the video of the scene. But, the change was more in keeping with the overall, almost pastel colors of the foreground. I should note, I work in watercolors, so making major changes more often than not means going darker, and usually risks making muddy colors. Thanks again!!
Hey all! PART 2 is now live ua-cam.com/video/EVLiVwK1hyA/v-deo.html
You mention of looking up to other artists, inspired by them and comparing your work to them...you are that artist to others (at least me!). Your art is beautiful (whether play/practice, studies, or finished pieces) and showing your processes and ups or downs along the way helps me to learn new ways or techniques (and reminds me to be less critical of my work, and enjoy the art journey).
Wow, thank you! I could not ask for more than that
A painting never fails when you spend a few hours celebrating the beauty of life and the world. That is what another plein air painter profoundly told me on a day when I was struggling. I also show the good and bad results in my UA-cam videos and consider the videos as my journal of progress as an artist. This was such a wonderful video and honest commentary. You are far too critical of your work. The result was outstanding. I especially loved your boldness of repeatedly pushing the distant rock farther back by boldly painting over everything with lighter values. Thanks for sharing.
"A painting never fails when you spend a few hours celebrating the beauty of life and the world." That's a beautiful sentiment! I should post that near my computer
I wholeheartedly agree!
Right on!
Yeah, listen to this guy 🤣
I was thinking the same thing as you were talking. I do like the way your underpainting comes through and that is difficult to accomplish with gouache. I’m an oil painter learning gouache and while I could do something similar with oils, my gouache would become mud. Thank you for the video!!!!!
When you share your struggles you normalize it for the rest of us. I appreciate your candor and openness with your struggle, because we ALL feel this way sometimes! Great video, and its a gorgeous painting.
I call those moments of overwhelm and hesitancy “contemplative observation.” It’s what thoughtful painters do 😎.
You're right. It's not a negative thing. I should try to embrace it!
I love that you're sharing this! When every artists' social media is so curated towards perfection, it can make it even more daunting for beginners, but definitely an imperfect drawing session is something anyone who's ever tried plein air can relate to! I quite liked your painting, definitely into that very excellent magenta underpainting. That is such a fun colour to put underneath! I'd definitely enjoy a part 2! Thank you for sharing! (And I really want an ice cream now...)
Thank you! And yea I totally agree. In fact nowadays I just get turned off by an Instagram feed of perfection. It just feels fake. I mean I get that they are sort of using it as a portfolio but I don't know. I'm over it 🤣
I loved your video! Stop worrying Sarah and just paint! You have a wonderful gift! I have learned much from what you have shared. Look forward to part 2! Martha G
Great advice 😊
Thanks for staying real. I’ve just started watching your videos and I’m really enjoying them.
So thank! From Western Australia!
Yay! Thank you!
See, just how many people love you (and your work)
I'm super honored!
Yes pls… a part 2😊👍
Noted!
There's that wonderful, refreshing, heartstrings-tugging, irrepressible authenticity that is your inimitable hallmark, Sarah & I hope you never let it go. This video was like a miracle salve to my lacerated ego/pummeled self-esteem & I've no doubt Lessons Learned Part Deux would be a boon & a tonic to many of us who continue the struggle to create art that is enjoyable in terms of process & result. You are & continue to be such a gift!
Wow, thank you! I got chills reading your comment! 😊
@@SarahBurnsStudio 💗
Your honesty was so refreshing. Everyone who ventures out to paint goes through the same struggle. I imagine you have ingrained memories of that setting that will stay with you. The learning and the journey creates better paintings. Glad you treated yourself to ice cream!
Thank you so much! And yes, absolutely wonderful memories, and painting from memory is sometimes my favorite way, and best paintings!
This is up in my favorite videos you have done as it helps to hear how you talk yourself down off of a concern and show that it is worth finishing even a painting that is challenging! Thank you for posting this one!
"Never have I been so unlucky with the weather. Never three suitable days in succession, so I have to be always making changes, for everything is growing and turning green. And I had dreamt of painting the Creuse just as we saw it!
In short, by dint of changes I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, and then there is the river that shrinks, swells again, green one day, then yellow, sometimes almost dry, and which tomorrow will be a torrent, after the terrible rain that is failing at the moment. "
Claude Monet in his letter to Gustave Geffroy.
Next time I'll think other artists got it all covered, I will think about Monsieur Monet, complaining about his experience of plein-air painting!
Ahh that's amazing, 🥰
Thank you Sarah for your courage in showing the successes as well as the struggles as you continue your art journey. At my age I've come to realize that it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran the struggle is always there in one form or another. So, learn to embrace the struggle early on and dance like nobody is watching or, in our case, slap some paint with joyous, childlike glee! It's all good.
Haha well said!
You have a backpack, you could have a very small plastic tarp in it so you could sit and cover yourself for rainy days. Even inexpensive shower curtains from a dollar general would be helpful.
Yea, except my backpack was already stuffed to the brim! I'm sure I could figure out a way to strap it to the outside though.
@@SarahBurnsStudio I've never regretted having one in my backpack. It's lovely to sit in a sweet rain like you were having watching drops falling on blades of grass or on sand or in the water. After the rain colors just pop and give beautiful highlights on botanicals. Almost meditative to sit in nature and water the rain around you and not get wet. :)
I cried three quarters through the video for how much I could relate.
THANK YOU for sharing this and I really hope you upload a part 2 (if you feel like doing it of course). You inspired me so much that I picked up the brushes again today; I'll keep your words in mind as I paint ❤
So often I want to paint and start scrolling through the thousands (!!) reference images I have collected over time and feel so overwhelmed by nature's beauty that I give up even trying because I know I won't do it justice.
Even though I know, as you say most artists do, that unless you practice you can't improve and is totally natural to mess up as you learn, my self-critical brain gives me such a hard time that often I give up altogether before even starting
Keep up the amazing work Sarah!
Thank you so much! And I did upload part 2, it's in the description ☺
@@SarahBurnsStudio sorry I missed to check the description box! Thanks you for pointing out part 2 is up! Watching now ❤
Your paintings are lovely
Thank you! Cheers!
Part 2? Hell yeah! So wonderful to see someone so refreshingly real. Thanks for all you do!!
Coming soon! :D
Thank you for sharing your experience painting in plein air it could be very challenging at times. Your painting is beautiful .
Thank you! Cheers!
Thx for the video and taking us along. 22:38 I love how real and down to earth you are.
Most people fail painting but we do not always see it. Its Honest to show the struggles and it lets your viewers know that there are bad days and good.
Beautiful country and beautiful painting. Appreciate how you kept adjusting to each challenge. Thanks for taking us along.
I should know better, but I fall for the "all the other artists make beautiful work so easily" social media trap ALL THE TIME!
Yea..why?? why do we do this even though we KNOW?!?
I'm SO guilty of this too!
Yess… me too! Let‘ s take a look into their magazine of less „super“ paintings!
Part 2 please. Your painting is beautiful
I loved how honest and vulnerable this was! And what a beautiful place!
I just love your videos Sarah. You have such a natural, authentic personality that is relaxing to listen to. Plus I always learn something. ❤
Enjoyed it so much, will be waiting for the part 2. You must have been so lucky and blessed to have things you need, esp. the amazing places and views you have. Keep painting, please. I badly need something to watch to divert my depression. Cuz I am extremely sad. Thank you for sharing. Be blessed! 🙏
I always feel so lucky to live here. I am sending you positive thoughts!
This is a delightful video. I'm glad I got to see it and I learned from it. So you keep it up and know that we appreciate your work.
Thank you! Will do!
THANKS FOR MAKING REAL CONTENT. FINALLYYYY.
This is so very honest. Plein air painters have all been there. We tend to forget the initial struggle of getting to that "just right" painting spot and dealing with the fast changes in the light.
I appreciate that you share your struggles and not just the good stuff. It really helps normalize the difficulties of art making. ^_^
Thank you for sharing your authentic experience. I appreciate watching an artist work through their emotional experience as they work. I learn more and makes me more brave to keep going. Love your work, and your courage!
I have been watching your videos for a short while. I am an urban sketcher and mostly work in watercolor.I am a profession artist selling my encaustic paintings and ceramics for over 45 years. I also teach. I get what you are trying to convey with this video that sometimes we have a hard day and struggle. However I really don’t believe that there are “ mistakes”in art, nor “failures”. Everyday is an art day and we create and express ourselves. Using those negative words , I feel, just beats yourself up, pulls you backwards and it feels terrible. I say just keep moving forward , turn the page in the sketchbook, start another painting. Self criticism is hurtful and I think, sends the artist backward..
You are an amazing artist, very sensitive and have a great touch with the paint. Carry on!
Miss Burns, you are so real... This is what it takes to be a successful artist. First we have to be successful humans, right? To not have anything blocking our own experience. This allows our art to unfold. You are well on the way in both arenas as I experience you.
Thanks for all that you give.
Gyps ❤️
Thank you 💙 I am so thankful for this community. I feel like I can be myself. Sharing my fears and insecurities is scary but also empowering.
Thankyou, thankyou, thankYOU! I truly appreciate what you've shared with us here today, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, thankyou for choosing the road less traveled💗
Everyone has had such a kind response, I'm so glad I shared it.
@@SarahBurnsStudio I'm so glad!💖💖💖
I have fallen in love with the pink under painting-that was looking very studio ghibli! X
I'm so glad you addressed the setup-and-startout struggle, and also the exhaustion from pushing a painting you're not too keen about...lol. I'm suffering from that big time...thank you ☺
I think we all go through it at some point!
Bravo. It's refreshing to see an artist sharing this sort of experience.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing this video! I have started trying to do plein air painting and it is so challenging! I often forget that it is challenging for others too when I just see videos where it seems so easy for everyone else. Thanks for being vulnerable with us. And yes, a part 2 would be lovely. 😊
"Grass is always greener" and all that 😆
Thank you Sarah for sharing this video. Yes l understand all of what you have said. Painting outside deffinately has its challenges. I live on the West coast of Scotland, and the light is constantly at play, making me change direction with what I'm trying to do. It's always good to know that others feel the same. I regularly chicken out and go to my camera for help, and go home with half finished works and use the photos to help me finish. You've encouraged me to try a bit harder 😊 thanks again x
Oh my gosh I'm jealous, we want to live on the west coast. Maybe someday if my income supports both of us 🤣
I really appreciate your honesty & transparency…. I am hard on myself & needed to hear this.. so Thank You So MUCH!!!
I think more of us are paralysed by our inner fears than we let on. Bravo to you for just getting out there!! You are an inspiration to me (an novice painter at 61y.o.! LOL!) to venture forth and PAINT! We all have something to say in this world, no matter how small our contribution may seem….
Excellent video…it’s a relief to see someone else struggle….I thought I was the only one going through the same plain air cycle of “omg it’s fab, I want to paint it All….omg I don’t know where to start……omg I don’t know what I’m doing…..aaaarrrggghhhhh”🤣🤣🤣 THANK YOU for posting this!
Haha yea..so many of us experience this!
Beautiful result! It helps so much to see your whole process and hear some of your internal dialogue. I feel better about my work, and am looking forward to getting outside!
Sarah, this helped me so much I almost started crying. My daughter lived in Scotland for a year during the pandemic I was supposed to go see her and of course that got shut down. You remind me of her!( You even look like her.) She is a watercolor artist as well.
I love your style and honesty❤
. Super helpful for those of us who struggle constantly.
Been doing watercolor for about 5 years with a few successes only you have inspired me to try plein air so I'm going to try to rig up some kind of simple setup. Yes on part two! Thank you thank you thank you.
Wow that's amazing to hear!! I know it can be intimidating to start.. I started really small and simple with postcard size paper and a mini watercolor palette (Cotman)
Awesome…💕 you do d a wonderful job of juggling your backpack, art box, walking a distance, etc. try not to be so hard on yourself 🥰 I throughly enjoyed your expedition. I never get tired of seeing how amazing the colors are, the grass, rocks, water splashing on the beach, and the different colors of the sky as the sun plays amongst the clouds!
It would be so hard to decide what to paint! It is all just breathtaking 😍😍😍😍
I can see why you would be physically tired. You have walked quite a distance and had to continually dodge the rain…☔️☔️
Get some rest. See you in your next video. 💕💕💕
Very beautiful place and your work is also very beautiful
Thanks a lot 😊
lessons learned pt2? yes please!
Coming soon!
I truly love your authenticity Great video
🥰💙
I know exactly how you felt. After a looooong break from art, I took a trip alone to the Grand Canyon. I hauled so many art supplies and had very high hopes of reviving my old self. The beauty of that place was so overwhelming that I couldn't draw or paint anything for days. So I started with a flower. Then a tree. Then a path. Eventually, I made a sketch of the canyon from the south rim. I saw the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. It is burned into my mind because I painted it. That was thirty years ago, but feels like yesterday. I love your work and thank you for inspiring us.
Wow thank you for sharing your story! I can't imagine witnessing something like that - I think I would need several days just to take it all in first, as you did :)
Just found you today….love that you share the good with the frustrations on plein air. To find such a beautiful spot must have overwhelmed your senses…nothing like that in West Texas for sure. It would be nice for a part 2 but as you said, we will see. PS love the gouache/watercolor. Your pink was very interesting to me. Thanks for the video.
Part 2 is already uploaded (I added the link to the description). And I imagine Western Texas has really cool vistas..are there canyons there?
Thank you! It was so great of you to share this!! 👌. I completely relate - I once lugged art supplies 4000 km to paint the Norwegian fiords, and was so awestruck I barely opened my sketchbook. 😅. The landscape where you were painting is truly stunning! Your choice of the pink ground was perfect, and I enjoyed the playful calligraphy. My complements to you and to your photographer - you both did it justice.
WOW That's intense!! But hopefully you can go back someday and do more art :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the compliment (I'm my own photographer and do all my own filming/editing)
Thank you Sarah for sharing that feeling of overwhelm that is sometimes felt at the beginning of a painting. It is a scary feeling that sometimes stops me from doing and requires me to dig deep to snap myself out of it. It’s comforting to know that even the seasoned painters deal with it.
I'm so glad you don't feel alone! You aren't, not even close
Would love part 2! Thanks for sharing your journey, it’s very helpful and relatable😊
You're so welcome!
Well done! I really like your honest way of describing what you are trying to achieve and also the pitfalls - SO GOOD! Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a spectacular spot! I tried plein air painting once and it was stressful! A snake slithered past me and it rained too! It does help you commune with nature and get inspired though. Thank you so much for showing us your process and behind the scenes...the good, the bad, and the ugly! We all have them. Your painting turned out beautifully though, even if not what you hoped for.
Omg a snake?? I would RUN..unless it was a tiny cute one. But yea, the elements can be so difficult to maneuver around. You kinda get used it. I get rained/winded out of half my sessions. I always remind myself that it's still worth to go out and connect with nature.
It’s beautiful, I love the water. I think sometimes we base the results on what we felt; like if we felt uncomfortable and fearful during the process, then we think it’s a bad painting. Me looking at it without the experience, I just see a beautiful loose painting. The repainted one looks good too, nice and clean; they are both great.
Such a beautiful place! I hope you returned and did more paintings from there!
This was so good to see. Thank you for sharing and encouraging for those of us very new to plein air. I have this size pochade box I’ve hardly used. It was good to see your set up. Love the colors in the water and cliffs!
You are welcome!
love the fairytale ghibli esque vibe on this painting 🥺🥺
Very good to see the logistics of setting up. I have a wooden box for painting, but rarely use it. I now prefer to use a clipboard, with lots of bulldog clips. Water can be held between 2 clips, with elastic bands and the water pot in the middle of both clips. I glue lollipop sticks along one side, to hep hold my sketchbook in place, acting like a shelf to rest it on. Large elastic bands to hold down sketchbook pages are also useful.
Homemade setups are always the best!
Can you post a photo of your setup with water please?!
Gosh, I don't even do plein air and wasn't ever interested in it, but I just LOVE your videography and that's mainly why I watch these! Just absolutely breathtaking!
Also, it's so wonderful to find another artist on youtube who focuses on nature, I tend to avoid paintings and art of people, I just think that nature is so much more interesting and beautiful. I can even find beauty in my small backyard, and even in a flower pot! All the micro plants and insects, our climate is very similar to Scotland, in Canada. I'm mostly a botanical artist but I love your landscapes they are so gorgeous!
Thank you so much!!
I found your channel only a couple of days ago. Im a much older woman at 36 lol but i remember being 12 and wanting to art in school and being told no by a teacher. That i was useless and since i didnt draw much there was no point at all. That was 24 years ago and it played on me for the last 24 years. I watch youtubers and buy supplies but never use them. I dont know what it is about your channel but ive been binging your videos for a couple of days and today i set up my watercolour palette and im now sat down ready to swatch them. Thank you
Aww that's amazing to hear :) Age doesn't matter with art (I'm 36), just follow your intuition and do what you love!
Well done. It’s refreshing to see such honesty and I think the painting turned out pretty good despite how you felt about it. You are so right that so much of social media and UA-cam portray an artificial perfect world where everything always works out great. The reality is we all struggle in our creativity and only sometimes are successful. I think failure and success can make interesting stories.
Well said! I totally agree.
I adore you. Thank you. You are awesome. Huge hugs.
Aww 🥰💙
I can not express fully how much this meant to me that you were brave enough to post this video! I will send this to several painter friends of mine. Please do a part two! Sarah you are so awesome!
Aww thank you! I did a part 2, the link is in the description
Hi Sarah,
this is more or less exactly how I felt when I started plein air painting! Overwhelmed by everything, distracted by just anything that was changing (light, weather, whatever), and somehow intimidated by being out there and painting. But (now comes the good part ;) ): the more I just went out and got through all that and through all my frustrations, the more I learmed to deal with all the stuff. And after a while I did not care about any of that anymore. Little by little, I learned how to handle myself and the conditions, when anything was disturbing. And right now, there is not much anymore, that will keep me from my focus of painting. For me, it took quite a while to feel comfortable painting outdoors, maybe one or two years. But it was worth it :). Looking forward to other honest videos :)! Best, Svenja
Yes, it does get easier when I do it more often. I think part of the struggle comes from the fact that I'm recording my plein air adventures, not all of them, but a lot, so it's another big added pressure. When I go out on my own without the camera I'm much more relaxed. Although I still have bad days!
All the textures of the rocks and sand... I'd love to see you paint that. And the rocks that you balanced... That would be an amazing little painting too!
I do sketch balanced rocks a lot, it's so relaxing. I may have to do a painting of that soon!
I love your color choices in your rocky coastal piece! Your coastline is beautiful!
I have to admit I’m totally addicted to the coast!
Loved it! Really resonated with me!
So glad!
Love that back hill/cliff in your painting!
Yea definitely need to paint that
Yes, please, love the lessons learned series. Beautiful video Sarah!
Yay! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing Sarah, it's so helpful to know that you, being such a great artist, struggle as much as a novice like myself. I too get completely overwhelmed by the beauty and feel like there is no way I can recreate it in a painting, I usually give up and move on!
Yes absolutely it happens! Quite often actually 😅
Please don’t feel pressured! I love everything you do! And I even loved more you sharing your “struglings” and vulnerability! Speaking by myself I feel that way so often! I really love your paintings! Big hug!
Thank you for such positive energy! 💙🥰
Would love to see a part 2. This is great👍🤗
Noted!
Very nice view of everything. Despite the pressure from nature’s lighting, your work turned out great. Can’t wait to try Gouache soon after watching this. 😀Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, I hope you have fun!
As a spoonie with EDS, I can totally honor your spoonlessness! I totally understand exactly the upsidedowness of being in 2 totally different weathers and being torn between. But the end, and the ice cream, both just said "summer" to me! Thank you!
The ice cream saved me haha…but overall it really was an amazing day, even if I had a rollercoaster painting experience.
Love your honesty. Thank you.
I relate to all you've shared about the effort it can be to paint outdoors - the intimidation, the feeling of being overwhelmed, not being able to make a decision about what to paint, the sudden changes in lighting. It helps me to take a few photos of the lighting when it is especially appealing, then I refer to a photo to stay on track when the lighting changes.
That's a really good tip!
Thank you so much for sharing this. As a beginner, it’s really discouraging to never see or hear about artists struggling on social media. I want to be a great artist but I’m not yet. Thank you for inspiring me with your courage. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone with my artist anxiety. Ps. Your painting was fantastic. I loved the colors you used in the water.
Thank you and welcome! I was the same when I started..many times I almost gave up. That's why I especially find it important to share the truth of how it is to grow as an artist.
You are awesome! One of my favorite videos because we've all been in this mode.
Thank you, and yea im sure every artist experiences this at least once!
I loved your painting! thank you for sharing :)
Thank you! Cheers!
Out of topic comments here:
1. really like your hat, I will look for a similar hat for myself.
2. random thought - you are very good looking : )
3. those picturesque nature shots are breathtaking.
Courage! C’est très utile pour nous de voir les difficultés que tu rencontres!
TFS! It was worth every second. Love the pink under painting idea. I'm new to gouache painting. It's been hard to work with. I've done oil painting and watercolor for many years, switched to gouache as I travel in an rv and gouache is somewhat similar to oils, the thicker paint and layering, but it's also very different to work with, so still learning. Love your channel!
Thank you! Yea gouache is like if pastel and watercolor had a baby. Its so fun though!
Really enjoyed this and am excited to see part 2. Love watching the plein air process including the setting up and deciding what to paint. Your painting is lovely Sarah. New subscriber from this video.
Thank you!! I post Part 2 (link is in the description) if you want to check it out :)
Yes! A part 2 please!
Its official!
Yes, yes part 2, part 2!
I love the painting! And I would love a part 2 to see what you would change. I really love your drone work too! I got my husband a drone for fathers day and I keep telling him about your drone captures :)
Thank you! I love to fly around and see the world in a new perspective 🤩
I just found you and how amazing. I love this video. I would love to go to Scotland, however I don’t think I’d want to come home. Absolutely beautiful video. 🙋🏻♀️ hello from Southern California
Hello! I imagine Southern Cali is also beautiful. I have only ever been to Santa Monica for a trip, but always wanted to visit Northern CA and especially see the redwoods!
This is so beautiful. Wow what a scene to paint! love your country!
I love your authenticity, and it's such treat to see such beautiful scenery! Really enjoying this. :) Edited to add: I really like how the painting turned out - the colours were gorgeous (that pink underpainting 🖤) and I'd love to see a part two to see how you might change it if you decide to do a second version!
So glad you enjoyed it! Part 2 coming Wednesday!
Beautiful painting. Thanks for sharing.
Qué lugar!!! Un paisaje espectacular ❤️🤗
Wonderful!! Just found your channel, I'm building up courage to plein air. I'm in Florida,US, a beautiful state, but long a experience the cliffs and colors of Scotland!! Planning to travel, Scotland is top of destination list 🎨👏👏
Sarah! I almost took a bite out of my ipad as you were waving that amazing looking cone slowly around. Omg mad crave at 845AM. 😉 Seriously, LOVE your videos and message as always.
HAHA oh gosh sorry, didn't think about that lol! Maybe get yourself a delayed solstice treat too 😉
Yes! Excellent video, Sarah! Love your words, filming, and art!
Thank you so much!
I think it's great you share these.
I'm not sure what your personal lessons learned ended up being. One thing I felt, was that one needs to carefully consider reconsidering their painting midway. Sometimes, it saves the paintings, but sometimes it just turns it into a mess or moves it away from the original vision or intent. In this video, around 18:20, you came back from a walk and decided to redo the entire back cliff. Were you satisfied with change? Did it move you closer to the vision you were trying to portray? I can only guess. I liked the earlier version, as I felt it was more like what I was seeing in the video of the scene. But, the change was more in keeping with the overall, almost pastel colors of the foreground.
I should note, I work in watercolors, so making major changes more often than not means going darker, and usually risks making muddy colors.
Thanks again!!
Great thoughts! I address a lot of this in my next video, Part 2, coming Wednesday ;)
A mighty fine location, it's such a beautiful painting!! I'm looking forward to part two!!
Thank you! Part 2 link is in the description
@@SarahBurnsStudio got it, thanks 😊