Summer is finally here! It’s time to enjoy some time outdoors. The vibrant colours and warmth of July are the perfect inspiration to connect with your surroundings and create unique works of art. Grab your paints and brushes and settle down in a place that inspires you.
To help you make the most of this experience, here are a few techniques and tips.
Choose your materials carefully:
For colours, opt for the acrylic paint range. Our colours are water-resistant and quick-drying. What’s more, they offer a wide range of intense, luminous pigments, which are perfect for summer colours. Use high-quality synthetic brushes that are resistant to moisture and deformation, but above all that will ensure precise application and clean brushstrokes.
As you’ll need to transport your equipment, we advise you to opt for lightweight canvases, such as linen, and a folding easel.
But be careful! Don’t forget to take a palette, a cloth, water and a spray bottle to moisten your canvas.
Find your inspiration:
Take a close look at your surroundings and let yourself be inspired by the beauty of nature all around you. Take a look at the play of light and shadow, and the vibrant colours of flowers and foliage.
For greater precision, don’t hesitate to make sketches with your pencils. You can also change your point of view and try painting your subject from different angles to get different perspectives and enrich your painting.
Capturing light and colour with acrylics:
For optimum colour, you can schedule your painting workshop for the early hours of the morning or late afternoon. This is when the light is softer and less intense, so you’ll be better able to capture the nuances of colour.
Don’t be afraid to exaggerate the colours to bring out the summery character of your painting. You can use Blockx acrylics to create contrasts between light and dark colours, which will add depth to your painting.
Here are 5 examples of artists who used to paint in the open air, along with their most famous work:
Vincent Van Gogh – Famous work: ‘The Sunflowers’.
Van Gogh is known for his vibrant and expressive scenes, often painted en plein air to capture the natural light and colours of his surroundings.
Claude Monet – Famous work: ‘The Water Lilies’.
Monet, a master of Impressionism, is famous for his series of landscapes painted en plein air, capturing changes in light and atmosphere.
Paul Cézanne – Famous work: ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’.
Cézanne is renowned for his landscapes of Provence, particularly his many depictions of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which he often painted en plein air.
Albrecht Dürer – Famous work: ‘A pond in the forest’.
Although best known for his engravings, Dürer also produced numerous drawings and paintings of outdoor landscapes, capturing nature with astonishing precision.
Pablo Picasso – Famous work: ‘La Rue des Bois’.
Picasso, although most famous for his studio work, also created plein air works, where he experimented with form and perspective in natural environments.
By following our advice, you’ll be able to create beautiful outdoor paintings that capture the essence of summer.
So don’t wait any longer, get out your brushes and colours and set off to discover your inspiration!
