Streamlining a Complicated Setting: A Guide
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In the heart of Queensland, Australia, nestled amidst a dense rainforest, an artist found inspiration at Secrets on the Lake. The author, seeking to capture the breathtaking lake and mountain view through the trees, the repetition of tall tree trunks, and the dappled light hitting the leaves, embarked on a plein air painting journey.
The scene was too complex to paint on location, so the author cropped out much of the detail, focusing on the major shapes and key elements. This simplification process is about narrowing down on the essence of the scene and cutting out the rest.
Starting just after sunrise with fog filling the air, the author began painting on a blank canvas. The author started blocking-in some of the basic color shapes after the fog cleared, using large brushes or broad strokes to capture the overall form and composition before adding details.
In plein air work, timing is crucial. The author had to work quickly due to the constantly changing light. Towards the end of the painting, the shadows and colours had changed significantly, and the author needed to start working from memory.
The author found that looking for dramatic contrasts can help simplify a complex scene. Structure the painting around clear light-dark contrasts, especially emphasising foreground contrasts for depth. Use value structure to create depth, with darkest darks and lightest lights belonging in the foreground, while mid-range, desaturated values represent distant forms to imply atmospheric perspective.
Avoid getting caught in detail early; instead, paint from large to small shapes, building the composition with broad strokes before refining. Placing major shapes off-center adds dynamism, and balancing filled and empty spaces prevents overcrowding and visual confusion. Simplify background elements to emphasise your subject and maintain clarity.
The end result is a rough study and a beautiful way to remember the trip. Quick-studies done on location are not meant to capture a finely rendered version of what is seen. They are, however, a personal and creative way to document life and promote spontaneity and vibrancy in plein air work without overwhelming you with nature's complexity.
Painting provides a unique perspective, capturing how the author sees the scene rather than a simple photograph. Using hands to frame potential compositions is a helpful exercise in composition. The author tested out plein air painting equipment during the stay, finding it a rewarding experience.
These strategies help turn the apparent "chaos" of nature into a composed and expressive painting that communicates the scene’s core mood and structure effectively outdoors. By following these composition and technique tips, you too can simplify complex nature scenes for plein air painting.
[1] The Art of Plein Air Painting: Techniques for Working En Plein Air [2] Plein Air Painting: A Complete Guide for Landscape Artists [3] Plein Air Painting: The Complete Guide [4] Plein Air Landscape Painting: A Complete Guide [5] Plein Air Painting: A Complete Guide for Artists
- The author discovered that plein air painting, a lifestyle immersed in creating landscape paintings outdoors, was an effective means of capturing the essence of Secrets on the Lake's breathtaking view.
- Inspired by the home-and-garden setting of Secrets on the Lake, the author's plein air study serves as a personal record of the experience, showcasing simplicity over intricate detail in landscape painting.
