Two unforgettable plein air painting experiences that remind us why outdoor art-making is worth every weather challenge
When Mother Nature Becomes Your Art Director: Limerick Plein Air (August 4th)
Sometimes the best plein air painting sessions are the ones that test every fiber of your artistic resolve. My recent experience at the Limerick Plein Air event on August 4th was exactly that kind of day – and I wouldn’t trade a single storm-soaked moment of it.
Battling the Elements for Art
Mother Nature really decided to put this plein air newbie through the ultimate trial by fire (or should I say, trial by water and wind!). What started as an ambitious outdoor painting session quickly transformed into an epic battle against storm-force winds and surprise downpours that left me absolutely drenched. My trusty painting coat has now officially earned its stripes – or should I say, its professional paint splatter status.
But here’s the thing about plein air painting: the chaos often creates the most authentic, emotionally-charged artwork. Fighting against the elements while trying to capture a scene teaches you things about painting that no indoor studio session ever could.
Two Storm-Born Oil Paintings
Despite – or perhaps because of – the challenging conditions, I managed to complete two oil paintings that day. Both pieces are pure texture, movement, and raw emotion translated onto canvas. There’s something about painting in a storm that infuses your work with an energy you simply can’t replicate in calm conditions. The urgency of changing light, the physical challenge of keeping your easel steady, the way the weather affects your paint application – it all becomes part of the artistic process.
My hands were shaking from exhaustion by the end of the day, but my soul felt incredibly full. This is what plein air painting is all about: connecting with nature in its most honest, unfiltered state.
Community and Recognition
One of the most rewarding aspects of plein air events is the incredible community of artists you meet. Huge congratulations to Helen Seago for her well-deserved prize that day! Witnessing fellow artists push through the same challenging conditions and create beautiful work is truly inspiring.
Special recognition must go to Karina Guseva for organizing this incredible event. It takes real dedication and skill to coordinate a plein air painting day, especially one that Mother Nature decided to make extra memorable. The art community is lucky to have organizers like Karina who create opportunities for artists to challenge themselves and grow.
Finding Peace in Adare: Draíocht Plein Air (August 24th)
Fast-forward to August 24th, and I found myself in completely different circumstances for the Draíocht Plein Air event in Adare. This time, Mother Nature was in a much more cooperative mood.
The Perfect Plein Air Setting
I set up my easel in the lovely, peaceful park at Trinity Church – a setting that couldn’t have been more different from my Limerick storm-chasing adventure. The tranquil atmosphere provided the perfect environment for thoughtful composition and careful observation.
The Art of Slow Looking
One of the most valuable aspects of this Adare session was taking time to really study my subject before committing to canvas. I spent considerable time sketching, exploring different compositional possibilities, and really connecting with the peaceful energy of the location. This slower, more contemplative approach reminded me that plein air painting isn’t always about racing against changing light or battling the elements – sometimes it’s about finding quiet moments of connection with a place.
The final painting reflects this peaceful energy, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. There’s something special about artwork created in a state of calm focus that differs beautifully from the storm-energy pieces from Limerick.
Exceptional Event Organization
The team at Draíocht Art Gallery, led by Andrew, provided outstanding support throughout the day. Their attention to detail and genuine care for the participating artists made the experience even more enjoyable. The fact that they took time to bring food to artists mid-session shows the kind of thoughtful organisation that makes these events truly special. It’s details like these that transform a simple painting day into a memorable artistic community experience.
Why Plein Air Painting Matters
Both of these experiences – the chaotic storm session in Limerick and the peaceful park painting in Adare – highlight why plein air painting is such a valuable practice for artists:
Adaptability: Outdoor painting forces you to adapt quickly to changing conditions, making you a more flexible and responsive artist.
Authentic Color and Light: No studio lighting can replicate the complex, ever-changing quality of natural light.
Emotional Honesty: The immediacy and unpredictability of outdoor conditions often result in more emotionally authentic artwork.
Community Building: Plein air events connect artists with shared experiences and mutual challenges.
Location Connection: Painting on-site creates a deeper relationship with places and landscapes.
Tips for Plein Air Success
Whether you’re facing storm conditions or perfect weather, here are some insights from these two very different plein air experiences:
Embrace the Chaos: Sometimes the most challenging conditions produce the most interesting artwork. Don’t let difficult weather discourage you – lean into it. Dress for all weather!
Take Time to Compose: When conditions allow, spend time sketching and considering your composition before committing to your final piece.
Invest in Quality Gear: A good easel, weather-resistant materials, and appropriate clothing make all the difference.
Join Events: Participating in organized plein air events provides structure, community, and often valuable logistical support.
Document the Process: Whether through photos or notes, capturing your plein air experiences helps you learn and grow as an artist.
Looking Forward
Both the Limerick and Adare plein air experiences have reinforced my love for outdoor painting. From storm-chasing adventures that test your resolve to peaceful park sessions that feed your soul, plein air painting offers endless opportunities for growth, connection, and artistic discovery.
The best art truly does come from authentic moments – whether they’re beautifully chaotic or peacefully contemplative. Each outdoor painting session teaches us something new about ourselves as artists and about our relationship with the natural world.
