Painting, Drawing & Memories

  We all have ways and places to keep memories.  And nowadays, it's never been easier to preserve a moment by taking a photo or recording a video with our smartphones.  I have a folder on my computer's desktop that's titled "Memories" and I put all of my digital media in there.  It's a visual catalogue of trip and events and everything is labeled by year and location.
  However, with all of the convenience, I have always felt a certain distortion and falseness in these digital images.  The sense of space, color and light never seems quite as I remembered.  The pictures never seem to do justice to my memory.
  Now, when I want to really relive a moment I look at my archive of paintings, drawings and sketchbooks.  Looking through this material, I can instantly remember where I was and what I was doing.  And more importantly, I can remember how it felt.
   I would say painting and drawing allows us to create a more in-depth and well-rounded memory because we are observing more carefully.  It's less objective and more subjective.

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Roses in Giverny

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  For these reasons, I encourage everyone to carry around a small sketchbook/journal.  Sketching with a pencil and paper is a great way to get started.  Don't worry about your drawing skills and just enjoy the moments as you live and travel.  As you grow, you may want to try using watercolors or a set of pastels.  It's also helpful to jot down some notes as you sketch.
  As you progress, you can work on larger paintings or travel specifically to paint.  You can try out different media and styles.​  Remember that it can be whatever you want it to be!

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Cabin in Kentucky

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  Next week, I'm heading to Ireland to teach a week-long workshop.  This will be my first time in Ireland and I'm really excited about it.  I'll be working with watercolors, which I like because they are easier to set up and very portable.  I also always bring my journal and sketchbook on trips to record specific moments.
  By combining art and travel, I hope that Eric En Plein Air encourages you to capture your own memories.  Keep following along as we also share the methods and tools to do so.  Enjoy every moment!