I love how you offer advice on the nuts and bolts of painting as well as on the purely artistic considerations. Ian, if you didn’t exist, UA-cam would have to invent you. Thank you!
Dear Ian, This the most masterful 20 minutes on plein art equipment I have ever encountered. I began plein air painting in 1967 in my senior year at Cornell. I painted "flat"--using the wooden paint box for support, a sand dune, a tree trunk, etc. if I could paint on an "easel." I probably painted 50-100 oils that way--some as large as 18X24. Your easel suggestions and box for carrying paintings will get me back outside. Studio painting in oils again since 2014. Your information and paintings are fabulous. Thank you.
Thank you so much Christian. When I was growing up going out painting with my dad, there were so many jerry-rigged easel arrangements. Things like the Soltek and the Strada and so on were no where to be seen.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you for highlighting my post. It's interesting that much of your teaching is about rapid rendition of the artwork, which is essential if you aim to be commercially productive or to capture a moment as the Impressionists did. I build images differently by scratching little marks like a Pointillist using dry coloured pencils. It is incredibly time consuming and difficult to create contrast but its an utterly absorbing pastime. If I could capture this sensation in the artwork I would be another Monet!
Thanks Ian. I recently discovered a series of plein air paintings I did with you on a wonderful course your led near Georgian Bay in Ontario, quite a few years ago. After a long hiatus from outdoor painting, I recently tried plein air with the encouragement of my sister, who’s an avid plein air painter in beautiful British Columbia. Plein air is challenging, compared to the comfort of a well equipped studio! My first attempt was like a Mr. Bean episode - knocking over my tripod, spilling solvent…..but eventually I got going and it was very rewarding. Perhaps I’ll get out again in this now wintery weather.
HI Linda, nice to hear from you. I can just image your Mr Bean episode. But the tools and materials those fall into line pretty quickly. And I know what you mean. There is a sit and have a nice cup of coffee in the morning, when in truth if you want to catch the morning light you should have left a half hour ago. I find once I get there though I'm almost always glad I did. Good luck.Where the thickest felt soles you can find in your boots if you go out in winter. It's fun. If there's no wind.
It’s seems like yesterday looking at gray clouds, yet sensing a warmth, I studied the clouds longer observing the true color, a beautiful shade of mauve. Thank you for your time. I enjoy your teaching methods and tone.
thanks so much, Ian .. I paint regularly , outdoors, in gouache, and watercolors.. .. I always find your videos so incredibly helpful and straightforward.. your insights help me quite a bit .. they translate into any medium , and I thank you once again!! norakag , here 👍👍
Thank You! I plan to paint this weekend and your tips for preparation and 18:38 what supplies to bring is wonderful! Thank you for saving my back from heavy lifting and my mind from unwanted stress! 👩🎨🎨🌲🌊🏝
Very, very interesting. The tip I found most useful (and which I had never heard before) was to travel with loose primed canvas and two boards, and paint with the canvas taped to the board, and then travel home with your loose paintings stacked between the two boards. I am definitely going to try this. Thank you!
Thanks for giving back your years of experience to the community, especially without making the typical commercialized stuff that permeates YT content. I see someone that has a true and profound love of both art and teaching. This is very unusual on YT and very refreshing. You are definitely not someone trying to make a quick buck on some subject of which they have no specific knowledge. That inspires trust. And your delivery is wonderful. Relaxing, no pressure. Giving us time to absorb the lessons. Just what we need. Your time is greatly appreciated. And that reverse side blacking of the canvas tip is priceless. Can't wait to try it out. Inspiring. I cannot give you enough stars. 🌟 Saludos desde Las Canarias.🇮🇨
I really can’t thank you enough as these Infos are so helpful. I have been painting acrylic landscape indoors for the last ten years and switched (tried to) oils these past months and got so puzzled and frustrated with trying Pleinair oil painting that I didn’t paint for a while all together. I even seemed to have lost my acrylic skills as well. So that was a very big help and I will try once by more using your advice
This is so extremely helpful! I’m a beginner painter and am slowly getting the nerve to go outside and paint, mostly because of the issues of finding a decent composition and trying to stay organized in the process. I think this video has cured these fears! It is getting a tad chilly here in New Hampshire so plein air will have to wait until the spring. Can hardly wait. Thank you !!
Thanks Ian. I do 95% of my painting in Plein air and still found your video very helpful. Especially with regards to priming cheap panels and traveling.
Very helpful video! I like it when plain air painters suggest their favorite easels to use outside. Don't forget about bringing along an umbrella to block sun. And sunscreen!
I jumped right into plein air from being a book illustrator and it's been a real puzzle working through many of the challenges and getting the right gear so I didn't have to lug a ton of stuff up the trail. I discovered the Solers which were exactly what I wanted, but unavailable. In the end I built my own box that clips onto a lightweight tripod and it's a great improvement over my half size french easel. Now your viewfinder tip will be invaluable. Thank you Ian!!
There are so many easel arrangements,. Commercial and homemade. Lots of pluses and minuses to them. But if what you've figured out works for now, that's great.
I love to plein air paint it is very challenging but fun. My work doesn't always turn out when Im working outside but I take it back and rework areas in the painting to get it right. I wish I could get it right the first time, but I just need to do it more often practice. practice. I really enjoyed your video and look forward each week for your instruction. Thank you
A super professional video presentation that covers so many useful tips and suggestions for the uninitiated. Thank you Ian. My take away is definitely to start using a viewfinder, I have never done that before.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I've been to the top art supply shops in Madrid and they tell me that artists here just use pencils! It was suggested to make one or check if a photography shop might have one. I think I'll have a go at making one out of some stiff card.
Thank you Ian, your demo is inspiring me to take up plain air challenge. Great lesson.. look forward to seeing you paint plain air next week. Have a great week
Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Even as a plein air watercolour painter, I found your presentation informative with several tips that can apply to me (such as the rugged supply bag and the PVC pipe). I agree about the NUMBER ONE plein air challenge. That's why I mentally recite your mantra "crop for drama" so I am not overwhelmed by my environment. I'll share this video with the six plein air groups to which I belong.
That is wonderful Edward. Happy to hear that you were able to get some nice takeaways from this video as a watercolour painter. Thanks for sharing it to your groups. All the best
Great video Ian. I recently bought an old external frame backpack off ebay. I took the bag off and strapped a french easel to it. Still heavy off course but much easier to carry on my back.
Hi Andy, i was saying in a comment above it would be interesting to see photos of all the various DIY solutions people had come up with for plein air easels. That sounds like a good one.
I've been painting plein air pretty much every weekend for the last three year's and some of your tip's are a breath of fresh air to me. Happy painting Ian🎨👍
I'm a beginner at plain air painting and even when I've gone out with a plan, the elements have taken over so I've ended up doing what comes naturally. Can be successful but these videos really bring home what you need to do to take control of your painting better. Thank you.
Merci pour toutes ces informations si claires et si précises ! C 'est dynamisant. En France il est difficile de trouver ce super chevalet que vous utilisez. Encore mille fois merci! MLS
Very timely for me as I'm about to go plain air sketching with my granddaughter and i'm not sure how to do it. So now I'm off to find cardboard to make some rectangle viewfinders! And make a note about the rubbish bag for the paper towels when we start to go out painting. These little tips are so important to help beginners. Thank you!
Thank you Ian. I have looked at many plein air set-up videos and yours is the best one yet. Clear and precise and it got me itching to get out there and paint
I love the practical advice and enthusiasm. I just want to paint and enjoy colours, light and nature. This inspires me and I love painting outside. Your videos are awesome. Thank you.
Hello from Australia Ian. I’m a huge fan. Thanks for your generosity in all you offer us. Lots of comments here asking your advice on how to glue painted canvas to a board. I’d love to hear that answer too. Cheers 😀
Thank you, such useful information, so well presented. You're a wonderful teacher, Ian! I agree, plein air is exhilarating and fun, this makes me want to get back outside to paint.
I watched this again (after your prompt in the Community) and am going to try plein air later this month. But first, I’ll try the viewfinder and sketchbook exercise. Thanks again!
Excellent video. Good to be reminded about how much better our eyes perceive colour than a camera. Thank you for making plein air easier for us by showing us how.
Very good info for plein air now I just have to get out there. I think your suggestion to go out with the view finder and a sketch pad will be my first step. Thank you.
Thank you Ian…great information as usual. When I paint outside I do watercolor in A sketchbook. Easier for me with physical issues to transport. But I’m now so intrigued that I may find a way to set up in my backyard and do my oils. Perhaps I’ll wait till spring. I always appreciate all of your instruction. I’ve said this before, I feel like I’m taking a master class with your videos. Can’t wait till next week!
Thanks so much Joanne. And if it interests you try it in the back yard. Then you don't have to worry so much about all the gear. You can prop stuff up with a stool and lawn chair, or whatever. Good luck.
Thank you so much for taking the time to go through all your painting gear and sharing all the info with us ! Every Tuesday has become an important event in my weekly calendar so I am ever so grateful to You Ian ! Truly appreciate your commitment to make this Channel one of the Best on You Tune ! Sincerely Lorraine 🤗🎨👍
Lorraine, thank you for this. I am delighted that you and so many people are finding my videos so helpful. I hope you enjoyed this one too. All the best
Hi Ian. I've been painting for years and exhibiting in art trails. But had begun to feel something was missing. Your videos have truly inspired me and with a step by step reminder of basic principles. I realised I had started to get sloppy about them and so lost that energetic painterly edge. A big fan. Thank you
I will add my thanks to the chorus of people here! I am a beginning watercolor painter and your videos are so inspiring. Thank you for going over the tools you use outside. But one thing you said you don't use is something I use as a quilter - the red value viewer! I have a pair of red value glasses (they look like red sunglasses) and it is so helpful when picking out fabrics for quilt patterns to make sure there is enough contrast in the quilt block to see the design. I've seen beautifully constructed quilts that, from a distance, just look like one big sheet of fabric because it all is the same value. I'd imagine the red value viewer could work the same way for paint on the canvas?
Delighted you found the video helpful. I'm not saying the red thing serves no function. I just don't use it. That's interesting what you're saying about using it for quilt making. So if it works then ....
Fantastic overview. Having done more and more plein air recently, this video really consolidates all of the relevant concerns with wonderful precision. Listen to this man!
I make art goals every year. Today I decided that this spring thru fall I am investing in Plein Air painting. I live in Montana so there should be some good places to paint.
Thanks you so much! This was the most useful and complete tutorial of Plein air equipment I have ever come across. I have done very little Plein air and I certainly was not prepared or equipped well. I hesitate to go do it, but now I feel like I can get my supplies together and make a good effort at it. I look forward to further instructions! I lean from everyone of your videos!
This video was amazing!! Just starting out painting plein air and you have made me feel more comfortable and ready with all of these tips and tools! Thank you Ian!
I love plein air painting but I realize I have way too much equipment and it takes me about 20 to 30 precious minutes to get my act together. I will definitely simplify my equipment. I am saving this video for next summer when it is a little warmer to go plein air painting in Québec. Thank you very much Ian!
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.. Been trying to wrap my head around en plein air painting and build my confidence to do it and your clear deep explanation has really helped me feel so much more confident to get out there now..
Hi Ian - very useful information - thank you! Round about 10 minutes in you talk about mounting your 'good' canvases onto panels so that they can be framed. Could you make a short video on how you mount your painted pieces of canvas onto board please? Many thanks!
This is a very useful explanation to get anyone started, especially beginners. I'm not a beginner, but enjoyed your way of explaining. I've been binge watching plein air videos [Trying to work up the courage to paint again] and you've managed to cover so many important tips that are overlooked in alotta other videos with set up. Well done !
Just came across this video. Love your trips…thanks. I am taking a plein air course this summer at the Haliburton School for the Arts this June/July with instructor, John Anderson. I’m looking forward to being outside with like-minded people painting away in nature!!
Hey lan, that was great! I’ve painted plein air in watercolor for years, switched to acrylics three years ago. Just started oils this fall. Love it! Your videos are something I look forward to each week. You are a great teacher and a wonderful inspiration! Thanks again.
Thank you Ian, always a pleasure to listen to your very helpful way of showing us all different ways with painting, out of interest I far prefer Plein Aire to any other form of sketching or painting, thank you.
Cool. All the explanations you give are very good, I am starting to paint, I have done some watercolors, I am experimenting with gouaches, here in my country the supplies are very expensive. Later I will do something with oils. Cheers.
You're a natural born teacher!!!!😃😃😃😃
Thanks so much Maggie!
I love how you offer advice on the nuts and bolts of painting as well as on the purely artistic considerations. Ian, if you didn’t exist, UA-cam would have to invent you. Thank you!
That is very kind of you to say. Thank you Claude!
PAINTING OUTDOORS is overwhelming at first but after many years of doing this I love it!
Thanks, I learned a whole college course of things in this one video without the student debt of college
So THANK YOU
Dear Ian, This the most masterful 20 minutes on plein art equipment I have ever encountered. I began plein air painting in 1967 in my senior year at Cornell. I painted "flat"--using the wooden paint box for support, a sand dune, a tree trunk, etc. if I could paint on an "easel." I probably painted 50-100 oils that way--some as large as 18X24. Your easel suggestions and box for carrying paintings will get me back outside. Studio painting in oils again since 2014. Your information and paintings are fabulous. Thank you.
Thank you so much Christian. When I was growing up going out painting with my dad, there were so many jerry-rigged easel arrangements. Things like the Soltek and the Strada and so on were no where to be seen.
YES!! I have one of the first SOLTEK easels made in 1998....it was light then and now it feels heavy...my arm strength has changed!!
Nice presentation , not jumpy at all. Anyone just starting out will have a solid idea of what they need.
That was my goal! Glad you enjoyed it Joyce.
You never live more in the moment than when you are painting (or drawing with coloured pencils as I do) and it is soooo relaxing.
I'm so glad!
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you for highlighting my post. It's interesting that much of your teaching is about rapid rendition of the artwork, which is essential if you aim to be commercially productive or to capture a moment as the Impressionists did. I build images differently by scratching little marks like a Pointillist using dry coloured pencils. It is incredibly time consuming and difficult to create contrast but its an utterly absorbing pastime. If I could capture this sensation in the artwork I would be another Monet!
Thanks Ian. I recently discovered a series of plein air paintings I did with you on a wonderful course your led near Georgian Bay in Ontario, quite a few years ago. After a long hiatus from outdoor painting, I recently tried plein air with the encouragement of my sister, who’s an avid plein air painter in beautiful British Columbia. Plein air is challenging, compared to the comfort of a well equipped studio! My first attempt was like a Mr. Bean episode - knocking over my tripod, spilling solvent…..but eventually I got going and it was very rewarding. Perhaps I’ll get out again in this now wintery weather.
HI Linda, nice to hear from you. I can just image your Mr Bean episode. But the tools and materials those fall into line pretty quickly. And I know what you mean. There is a sit and have a nice cup of coffee in the morning, when in truth if you want to catch the morning light you should have left a half hour ago. I find once I get there though I'm almost always glad I did. Good luck.Where the thickest felt soles you can find in your boots if you go out in winter. It's fun. If there's no wind.
This channel has such amazing and "real life" advice, this is art for enjoying life.
I love all your videos Ian - so clear and not overwhelming. Thank you! I have just started with plein air and love it.
I'm glad you find them helpful
It’s seems like yesterday looking at gray clouds, yet sensing a warmth, I studied the clouds longer observing the true color, a beautiful shade of mauve.
Thank you for your time. I enjoy your teaching methods and tone.
I love it Constance. Really seeing things. Activating perception.
Thank you! I am working on putting together a small Plein air group at my church for all levels and this will help me a lot.
That is wonderful Kathy. Delighted you found it helpful
thanks so much, Ian .. I paint regularly , outdoors, in gouache, and watercolors.. .. I always find your videos so incredibly helpful and straightforward.. your insights help me quite a bit .. they translate into any medium , and I thank you once again!! norakag , here 👍👍
You are so welcome Norakag. I am delighted to hear when my videos help people of any art medium. All the best
Thank You! I plan to paint this weekend and your tips for preparation and 18:38 what supplies to bring is wonderful! Thank you for saving my back from heavy lifting and my mind from unwanted stress! 👩🎨🎨🌲🌊🏝
Very, very interesting. The tip I found most useful (and which I had never heard before) was to travel with loose primed canvas and two boards, and paint with the canvas taped to the board, and then travel home with your loose paintings stacked between the two boards. I am definitely going to try this. Thank you!
You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed that tip!
How long will the paintingsneed to dry before you can lay them on top of each other between the boards?
I agree, thought it was a great suggestion, and good question too re how dry or something between them.
This is also a huge question I have? How long for them to dry? Thank you for the tip!
Thanks for giving back your years of experience to the community, especially without making the typical commercialized stuff that permeates YT content. I see someone that has a true and profound love of both art and teaching. This is very unusual on YT and very refreshing. You are definitely not someone trying to make a quick buck on some subject of which they have no specific knowledge. That inspires trust. And your delivery is wonderful. Relaxing, no pressure. Giving us time to absorb the lessons. Just what we need. Your time is greatly appreciated. And that reverse side blacking of the canvas tip is priceless. Can't wait to try it out. Inspiring. I cannot give you enough stars. 🌟
Saludos desde Las Canarias.🇮🇨
Delighted that you found it helpful.
Your generosity is boundless! Thank you.
You are so welcome David. Thank you
I really can’t thank you enough as these Infos are so helpful. I have been painting acrylic landscape indoors for the last ten years and switched (tried to) oils these past months and got so puzzled and frustrated with trying Pleinair oil painting that I didn’t paint for a while all together. I even seemed to have lost my acrylic skills as well. So that was a very big help and I will try once by more using your advice
You are so welcome Susanne. Makes me happy to hear that my videos are helping so much. All the best
This is so extremely helpful! I’m a beginner painter and am slowly getting the nerve to go outside and paint, mostly because of the issues of finding a decent composition and trying to stay organized in the process. I think this video has cured these fears! It is getting a tad chilly here in New Hampshire so plein air will have to wait until the spring. Can hardly wait. Thank you !!
That was the hope! Wonderful Lisa. Yes, a bit cold to start in New Hampshire. I hope you enjoy it when spring time comes around
Wow, so thorough and consice. A one stop plein air info session. Not jumpy editing at all. Bravo!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks Ian. I do 95% of my painting in Plein air and still found your video very helpful. Especially with regards to priming cheap panels and traveling.
That is great. I am happy to see that it is helping new beginners to plein air, as well as experienced artists as well
Video is perfect. Not jumpy at all. To the point informative. Thank you so much!
Excellent. You're so welcome!
Very comprehensive and very encouraging for those of us who paint far too much in the studio.
Glad you enjoyed it Richard!
I've been doing it since '14, nothing quite like pleinair. Oils and watercolor are my mediums of choice.
Delighted to hear it Rebecca. All the best.
For toning, cad a small amount of red mixed into the gesso gives a lovely warm light pink base to paint on outdoors.
Hi Ian. Thx for a great video. I’m 70 and have just started plein air and I love it.
One of your best, Ian. Packed with useful information, and practical solutions to real-world problems one encounters when trying to paint outdoors.
Wonderful. Glad you liked it Mike
Thank you 🙏🏾 Ian Robert for the valuable information shared, yes doing en plein air painting or sketching is a challenging task.
You're very welcome! Glad that you found it useful.
Very helpful video! I like it when plain air painters suggest their favorite easels to use outside. Don't forget about bringing along an umbrella to block sun. And sunscreen!
Great tips too. Thanks Susan. Hope you enjoyed it
I jumped right into plein air from being a book illustrator and it's been a real puzzle working through many of the challenges and getting the right gear so I didn't have to lug a ton of stuff up the trail. I discovered the Solers which were exactly what I wanted, but unavailable. In the end I built my own box that clips onto a lightweight tripod and it's a great improvement over my half size french easel. Now your viewfinder tip will be invaluable. Thank you Ian!!
There are so many easel arrangements,. Commercial and homemade. Lots of pluses and minuses to them. But if what you've figured out works for now, that's great.
Your enthusiasm and advice make me want to try this, thank you.
Go for it! And enjoy the process. All the best
I love to plein air paint it is very challenging but fun. My work doesn't always turn out when Im working outside but I take it back and rework areas in the painting to get it right. I wish I could get it right the first time, but I just need to do it more often practice. practice. I really enjoyed your video and look forward each week for your instruction. Thank you
ian, you were awesome as usual. God bless your liberal heart that revels in sharing and teaching. We are really blessed to be your virtual students
Thank you so much Krishnan. That is very kind of you to say
Excellent presentation Mr. Roberts, thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
A super professional video presentation that covers so many useful tips and suggestions for the uninitiated. Thank you Ian.
My take away is definitely to start using a viewfinder, I have never done that before.
A viewfinder changes everything with pleinair painting. I hope you enjoy it Mark!
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I've been to the top art supply shops in Madrid and they tell me that artists here just use pencils! It was suggested to make one or check if a photography shop might have one. I think I'll have a go at making one out of some stiff card.
Thank you Ian, your demo is inspiring me to take up plain air challenge. Great lesson.. look forward to seeing you paint plain air next week. Have a great week
You can do it and have fun Kamlesh. All the best
Thank you! Terrific! Plein air painting is good for the soul.
It really is. Thanks Maureen
Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Even as a plein air watercolour painter, I found your presentation informative with several tips that can apply to me (such as the rugged supply bag and the PVC pipe). I agree about the NUMBER ONE plein air challenge. That's why I mentally recite your mantra "crop for drama" so I am not overwhelmed by my environment. I'll share this video with the six plein air groups to which I belong.
That is wonderful Edward. Happy to hear that you were able to get some nice takeaways from this video as a watercolour painter. Thanks for sharing it to your groups. All the best
Great video Ian.
I recently bought an old external frame backpack off ebay.
I took the bag off and strapped a french easel to it.
Still heavy off course but much easier to carry on my back.
Hi Andy, i was saying in a comment above it would be interesting to see photos of all the various DIY solutions people had come up with for plein air easels. That sounds like a good one.
Thank you so very much for these invaluable recommendations Ian. You are truly a blessing! ❤️
You're so welcome Marko. And thank you. All the best
Thanks for the advice! I've enjoyed my first forays into outdoor painting up here in Manitoba, though it's a bit cold on the fingers these days!
Yes, I can imagine! Happy to hear you are enjoying the process David, despite the cold. All the best
I've been painting plein air pretty much every weekend for the last three year's and some of your tip's are a breath of fresh air to me. Happy painting Ian🎨👍
I'm a beginner at plain air painting and even when I've gone out with a plan, the elements have taken over so I've ended up doing what comes naturally. Can be successful but these videos really bring home what you need to do to take control of your painting better. Thank you.
Merci pour toutes ces informations si claires et si précises ! C 'est dynamisant. En France il est difficile de trouver ce super chevalet que vous utilisez. Encore mille fois merci! MLS
Very timely for me as I'm about to go plain air sketching with my granddaughter and i'm not sure how to do it. So now I'm off to find cardboard to make some rectangle viewfinders! And make a note about the rubbish bag for the paper towels when we start to go out painting. These little tips are so important to help beginners. Thank you!
I love how Ian pulls out an endless list from the bag. Sort of like a magician ❤️So so good, honest and true
Thank you Ian. I have looked at many plein air set-up videos and yours is the best one yet. Clear and precise and it got me itching to get out there and paint
That was the hope. Wonderful Kevin. All the best
I love the practical advice and enthusiasm. I just want to paint and enjoy colours, light and nature. This inspires me and I love painting outside. Your videos are awesome. Thank you.
Hello from Australia Ian. I’m a huge fan. Thanks for your generosity in all you offer us. Lots of comments here asking your advice on how to glue painted canvas to a board. I’d love to hear that answer too. Cheers 😀
So nice of you. Thank you Sharon!
Your videos are always so helpful. You have convinced me to venture outdoors and paint en plein air
Great to hear! Thanks Ann
Bloody brilliant! Thanks again for another tour of your setups.
You are so welcome Alex!
Love this elegant solution to a sticky problem. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love seeing what other artists have discovered works best for plein air, that easel seems perfect! thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome Leslie.
So much infrmation and advice! I can't wait for spring to try this out!
Wonderful. I know you will enjoy it!
Thank you, such useful information, so well presented. You're a wonderful teacher, Ian! I agree, plein air is exhilarating and fun, this makes me want to get back outside to paint.
You're very welcome! Hopefully the weather wherever you live will allow you to experiment soon.
I watched this again (after your prompt in the Community) and am going to try plein air later this month. But first, I’ll try the viewfinder and sketchbook exercise. Thanks again!
Excellent video. Good to be reminded about how much better our eyes perceive colour than a camera. Thank you for making plein air easier for us by showing us how.
You are so welcome Priscilla!
This was excellent. I love plein air painting and your advice on surfaces really helped me. I totally agree the view finder is essential.
Wonderful. Thank you Charles
Thanks a lot ! I have learned so much from you, I am watching your video every day, you are the best teacher !
Thank you so much Ian, for all the time you put into sharing your valuable expertise with us all!
My pleasure Maryann! Thank you
Just starting plein air painting, wonderful, helpful video!
Very good info for plein air now I just have to get out there. I think your suggestion to go out with the view finder and a sketch pad will be my first step. Thank you.
Thank you Ian, very useful as usual, have a nice week !
You are very welcome Joanne. Have a nice week too!
Thank you Ian…great information as usual. When I paint outside I do watercolor in A sketchbook. Easier for me with physical issues to transport. But I’m now so intrigued that I may find a way to set up in my backyard and do my oils. Perhaps I’ll wait till spring. I always appreciate all of your instruction. I’ve said this before, I feel like I’m taking a master class with your videos. Can’t wait till next week!
Thanks so much Joanne. And if it interests you try it in the back yard. Then you don't have to worry so much about all the gear. You can prop stuff up with a stool and lawn chair, or whatever. Good luck.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thanks Ian, I will but probably wait till spring!
I have been applying gesso with a brush waiting a few hours, then sanding and repeating twice. The way you did this is so much easier. Thank you!
I did it with a brush for years and someone fairly recently showed me the thing with the card. Lot easier for sure.
Thank you so much for taking the time to go through all your painting gear and sharing all the info with us ! Every Tuesday has become an important event in my weekly calendar so I am ever so grateful to You Ian ! Truly appreciate your commitment to make this Channel one of the Best on You Tune ! Sincerely Lorraine 🤗🎨👍
Lorraine, thank you for this. I am delighted that you and so many people are finding my videos so helpful. I hope you enjoyed this one too. All the best
Ian, I love your passion and enthusiasm! Matches mine. Thank you!
Hi Ian. I've been painting for years and exhibiting in art trails. But had begun to feel something was missing. Your videos have truly inspired me and with a step by step reminder of basic principles. I realised I had started to get sloppy about them and so lost that energetic painterly edge. A big fan. Thank you
I am so happy to hear that my videos are helping you find what was missing. You are so welcome and all the best
Fantastic!!!! Loved it - can't wait to see the plein air session - you're a wonderful teacher, Ian!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it Joani
The viewfinder was a great idea, it really helps you focus on what to paint
I agree. Thanks George. Glad you liked it
I will add my thanks to the chorus of people here! I am a beginning watercolor painter and your videos are so inspiring. Thank you for going over the tools you use outside. But one thing you said you don't use is something I use as a quilter - the red value viewer! I have a pair of red value glasses (they look like red sunglasses) and it is so helpful when picking out fabrics for quilt patterns to make sure there is enough contrast in the quilt block to see the design. I've seen beautifully constructed quilts that, from a distance, just look like one big sheet of fabric because it all is the same value. I'd imagine the red value viewer could work the same way for paint on the canvas?
Delighted you found the video helpful. I'm not saying the red thing serves no function. I just don't use it. That's interesting what you're saying about using it for quilt making. So if it works then ....
this was extremely helpful! Thanks so much for giving of your time.
Fantastic overview. Having done more and more plein air recently, this video really consolidates all of the relevant concerns with wonderful precision. Listen to this man!
This is THE BEST information! Thank you for sharing and compressing your knowledge base with us newbies. Hugs!
Kudos! Not jumpy at all... and, as usual, a plethora of ideas, big and small. Thanks again.
You are so welcome Diana. And thank you - I was worried about that
I make art goals every year. Today I decided that this spring thru fall I am investing in Plein Air painting. I live in Montana so there should be some good places to paint.
Thanks Ian .some really helpful stuff . I like the tips on how to carry equipment on trip .
You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks you so much! This was the most useful and complete tutorial of Plein air equipment I have ever come across. I have done very little Plein air and I certainly was not prepared or equipped well. I hesitate to go do it, but now I feel like I can get my supplies together and make a good effort at it. I look forward to further instructions! I lean from everyone of your videos!
Glad it helped! Delighted to hear how much it helped you. All the best
Excellent Ian! so many great morsels of info distilled into a short video. Thank you for all of your valuable lessons.
You are so welcome Mark
Good trick with the old card and the gesso
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
This video was amazing!! Just starting out painting plein air and you have made me feel more comfortable and ready with all of these tips and tools! Thank you Ian!
I'm so glad! Enjoy the process and have fun.
I love plein air painting but I realize I have way too much equipment and it takes me about 20 to 30 precious minutes to get my act together. I will definitely simplify my equipment. I am saving this video for next summer when it is a little warmer to go plein air painting in Québec. Thank you very much Ian!
Yes, it is easy to bring too much. I have learned from the decades what is essential and what is not. Glad you enjoyed it Lyne.
Your videos are so helpful and cozy at the same time!
Excellent video…so full of info, wisdom and inspiration! Thank you so much! 🙏
You are so welcome!
Wow that was soooo helpful. I can’t thank you enough for this advice. I had no idea where to start with plein air painting and now I can. Thank you!
That was the hope! Enjoy the process and have fun.
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.. Been trying to wrap my head around en plein air painting and build my confidence to do it and your clear deep explanation has really helped me feel so much more confident to get out there now..
Thank u so much for making my self learning process effective!!!! I improved a lot because of your tips and techniques!!!
Great to hear!
Hi Ian - very useful information - thank you! Round about 10 minutes in you talk about mounting your 'good' canvases onto panels so that they can be framed. Could you make a short video on how you mount your painted pieces of canvas onto board please? Many thanks!
It worked! Love this long and chatty presentation. Thank you.
You are so welcome Sandra
This is a very useful explanation to get anyone started, especially beginners. I'm not a beginner, but enjoyed your way of explaining. I've been binge watching plein air videos [Trying to work up the courage to paint again] and you've managed to cover so many important tips that are overlooked in alotta other videos with set up. Well done !
My situation is the same… painting again after a creative dry spell…. I hope you have succeeded! 👌🏽🤙🏽
Just came across this video. Love your trips…thanks. I am taking a plein air course this summer at the Haliburton School for the Arts this June/July with instructor, John Anderson. I’m looking forward to being outside with like-minded people painting away in nature!!
This is the video I needed to start outside. Thanks Ian, very well explained!
Glad it was helpful Meli.
Thank You! Extremely helpful and you have answered a lot of questions I had on this subject 🤙🏻
Hey lan, that was great! I’ve painted plein air in watercolor for years, switched to acrylics three years ago. Just started oils this fall. Love it! Your videos are something I look forward to each week. You are a great teacher and a wonderful inspiration! Thanks again.
Thank you Barbara. You are so welcome and all the best
Ian who manufactures your two metal easel components? I had trouble picking up on this on your video. Appreciate your sharing your process so much.
Excellent instructional video. Many thanks!!!!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing, I've learned using an old credit card in applying geso😍
YES!!! I ALWAYS use a viewfinder!!!! and do a few thumbnail sketches in my sketchbook #34!
Thank you Ian, always a pleasure to listen to your very helpful way of showing us all different ways with painting, out of interest I far prefer Plein Aire to any other form of sketching or painting, thank you.
You are very welcome Neil. Thank you so much
Cool. All the explanations you give are very good, I am starting to paint, I have done some watercolors, I am experimenting with gouaches, here in my country the supplies are very expensive. Later I will do something with oils. Cheers.