How to Find a Plein Air Spot to Paint!

  Have you ever been out somewhere and stopped to admire the beauty of a scene, the sky, the reflections of nature or something that makes you smile?  As an artist, I often wonder what it is about that view that draws me in and makes me want to paint.  And as artists, we can take a slice of nature and capture it on canvas.  Isn't that amazing?
 Different views will appeal to different artists, but I am writing this to share some tips for anyone who wants to find locations to paint en plein air.
  The first thing to keep in mind is that these spots are everywhere.  I've painted all over the US and Europe, but I still find inspiration in my own backyard.  I particularly enjoy gardens, but I've found beauty in buildings, cities, bridges, old fences, rocks, docks, rivers, beaches and tons of other places too.
  When I go out, I try to avoid "hunting" for spots.  By this, I mean not putting too much pressure on finding a location.  Instead, I've found it useful to go about your day with your eyes open.  I like to take walks around my neighborhood and I always see something new and different.  I've had countless times when I stop and say, "I wish I had my paint box!".  One of my favorite artists who seems to always have been ready to paint was Joaquín Sorolla (Spanish, 1863 - 1923).  Check out his small oil sketches!
  As you're going about your day, bring a little pocket sketchbook and a pencil or pen.  Ballpoint pens are great for sketching.  If you're sitting at a restaurant waiting, or a bus stop, sketch what's around you.  I've found that the world is continually more beautiful than I thought and I want to soak it all in even if I'm on a bus, train or even somewhere not as interesting.
  There will also be times when you visit a location with the intention to paint.  It's great to take these trips on your own or as a group .  Take all of your supplies and stop as soon as a scene catches your attention.

  The danger is trying to find the "perfect" spot.  Often attributed to the French writer, Voltaire, he said "Perfect is the enemy of the good."  To avoid this, I give myself 15 minutes; if I haven't found a spot in 15 minutes then I stop (like musical chairs) and set up.  And don't worry because you'll find that the beauty of a location comes out while you paint.  
  And what about more crowded areas?  Parks, trails, cities, etc.?  Well, I used to feel self conscious about being in public areas with my easel and all.  I wondered what people thought about me.  But you know what I found?  People LOVE seeing art!  Many people will stop and admire or will say something nice.  Guaranteed, you will brighten someone's day by painting en plein air.
   If you are able to travel then you will notice the differences between countries.  The colors of one region versus another.  And isn't it interesting how different environments shape the people who live there?  I found this especially true when I visited Bermuda last year; the color of the water and pinks and oranges of the buildings were dazzling and reflected in the character of the locals.
  If you're at home, notice the seasonal changes of your area.  You can return to a location month after month and find a whole change of scenery.  Come back to a spot and paint it during each season.  The cold tones of winter versus the hues of summer.  Different times of day can provide the day variety from sunrise to sunset.  
  If you ever feel stuck, take a day trip to a museum to see what other artists have painted.  Just walk around and enjoy the art and you'll be surprised by the variety of subject matter--You can truly find beauty anywhere!
  And lastly, remember that painting is about enjoying the process and experience.  To me, my paintings are like visual journals; I look at my art and I can remember exactly where I was and how I felt.  I encourage you to go out and give it a try--the world is yours to paint!