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A recent plein air event on the California coast I attended left some impressions. Here are a few:

I observed several painting demonstrations during a plein air event at the Lost Coast in California. Those along with many other demonstrations I have watched over the years have piqued my interest in observing people painting when they are not being watched so intently. Does the artist in his natural habitat really lay out a row of neat and tidy warms, and a row of neat and tidy cools perpendicular to each other on their palette? As the painting progresses, does each blob of paint maintain its integrity to a large degree? Are all of the colors carefully calculated ahead of time, or are there some spontaneous additions along the way? Watching paintings develop with hardly a spill or blop, is amazing, especially given my approach. I have given many demos and know that it helps to paint the subject a time or two prior. It also helps to try to eliminate kinks ahead of time.  I don't lay out a row of warms and a row of cools. I put out several colors and proceed with those. They set the mood and establish the main elements and composition. I add as I go. Sometimes the palette can get pretty gnarly. When I need more space, I scrape up the colors I want to use and redistribute them on a cleaned palette. This is probably a lot messier, but it is also a lot more fun for me. I have tried the neat and tidy way, and it leaves me unhappy and unappreciative of the process. I used to feel self-conscious of my methods, but it works for me and I usually like the resulting work. Now you know my dirty little secret.

The comradery that developed over the week of painting was wonderful. Seven or eight artists camped at Shelter Cove, sharing food, wine, talk and fun. We had a campfire every night, except the one that was extremely windy. It was very conducive to creativity and plain old fashioned fun. The many social gatherings hosted by the organizers encouraged an openness and amiability.

Not all plein events are created equal. Plein Air at the Lost Coast was exceptional. The local volunteers who put everything together were passionate about their community, and over the top generous to the artists who were participants. Food and refreshment were provided daily, and people brought water to the widely scattered artists all day, every day. I appreciated the special day at Redwood Abbey in Whitethorn, painting the Redwoods and ambiance of the place. Most I think came away with a positive experience and are looking forward to next year's event. 

What are your working methods? Do they differ drastically from those mentioned above? Have you developed a system that works for you? Please comment.