Plein air painting — the act of creating art outdoors in the natural environment — offers a unique and immersive experience that allows artists to connect with their subjects in an intimate way. Whether capturing a sweeping landscape, the gentle light of a coastal scene, or the vibrant colors of a garden, plein air artists seek to translate the fleeting moment into a timeless piece of art. While oil painters have long dominated the plein air scene, pastels have become an increasingly popular medium for outdoor painting due to their vibrant color range, versatility, and immediacy. However, painting with pastels outdoors presents unique challenges that require specific techniques and adjustments. In this post, we’ll explore the special techniques needed for working with pastels while painting plein air.

1. Choosing the Right Pastels for Plein Air

One of the first considerations when painting outdoors with pastels is selecting the right materials. There are several different types of pastels, from soft to hard, and each has its own characteristics. When painting plein air, artists often favor soft pastels for their vibrant color payoff and blendability. However, soft pastels can also be delicate and prone to breaking, especially in the field. To avoid this, it’s essential to choose pastels that are both durable and highly pigmented.

Artists also tend to favor pastels that are square or rectangular rather than round, as these shapes allow for greater control and versatility. Additionally, it’s important to carry a variety of colors, particularly earthy tones for landscapes, but also brighter hues for capturing changing light. While pastel sticks are convenient, having pastel pencils for more detailed work or smaller areas can be useful in the field.

2. Surface Selection and Preparation

The surface you choose to work on outdoors can have a significant impact on the outcome of your pastel painting. While many plein air artists prefer to work on textured surfaces that can hold the pastel well, choosing the right type of paper or board is essential for ensuring that the pastel adheres properly.

Textured Paper: For traditional pastel painting, watercolor paper with a heavy texture (such as Arches or Canson Mi-Teintes) is an excellent choice. These papers can hold layers of pastel and provide a surface that allows for both blending and scumbling. Some artists also use sanded papers like UArt or Pastelmat, which provide additional tooth (grip) for the pastel and allow for more layers.

Pastel Boards and Panels: Many pastel artists who work plein air also use specially designed pastel boards or pre-prepared panels. These surfaces are either sanded or primed with gesso and are often very sturdy, making them ideal for outdoor work. They allow for a high degree of flexibility, from broad strokes to fine details, and are durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions.

When painting plein air, it’s essential to consider wind and weather conditions. Choose a surface that will hold up well in outdoor conditions and won’t buckle or warp due to humidity or changes in temperature.

3. Handling Light and Weather Conditions

One of the key challenges of plein air painting is the constantly shifting light and weather conditions. The color of the light, the direction of the sun, and even the angle of shadows can change dramatically during the course of a painting session. Pastels, being direct and immediate, are particularly well-suited to working in fast-changing light conditions. However, working with pastels outdoors requires several key techniques to ensure the final result is accurate to what the artist observes in the moment.

Adjusting to Changing Light: Unlike oils, which can be painted in layers and adjusted over time, pastels require a more immediate response to light. Artists working in plein air need to be attentive to the changing light and be prepared to make quick decisions about color and value. A good way to handle this is to block in the large shapes and values quickly using neutral tones, leaving detailed work for the later stages of the painting.

Using Highlights and Shadows: Pastel artists working outdoors need to pay particular attention to how the light is playing on their subject. The vibrancy of pastel can help artists emphasize the intensity of sunlight and the subtleties of shadows. For example, a strong highlight can be created by using a light, creamy pastel over a darker base to reflect the intensity of sunlight. Similarly, using deep blues and purples in shadow areas can create the cool tones that are often present when light is filtered through the atmosphere.

Working with Wind and Light: Wind can cause pastel dust to blow off your surface or even blow the pastel sticks out of your hands, so a solid and secure surface is vital. Using an easel that is sturdy enough to withstand outdoor elements is important, as is securing your paper or panel firmly.

4. Layering and Blending Techniques

A core challenge when working with pastels, especially outdoors, is the need for effective layering without overworking the surface. Pastels are applied in layers, and the success of each layer depends on how well it bonds to the layer beneath it. When layering pastels, start with a light underpainting or a ground tone that sets the mood of the painting. Some artists use a wash of watercolor, acrylics, or even a light layer of pastel to establish the tonal values before applying heavier layers of pastels.

Layering: Pastels can be applied in multiple layers, but it’s important to avoid over-saturating the surface, especially if you’re working with textured papers. Once a layer is applied, allow it to dry for a moment, especially if you’re working in wet or humid conditions. The key is to avoid pressing too hard on the pastel stick, which can cause the colors to muddy.

Blending: Blending is an essential technique for working with pastels. While many artists prefer to use their fingers to blend pastels, especially for softer transitions, others prefer to use tools like blending stumps or brushes. Since plein air painting often involves rapid changes in lighting and atmospheric conditions, blending can be used not only to soften edges but also to create atmospheric depth. Artists may choose to blend the colors gently to mimic the way light transitions in the landscape.

Scumbling: Scumbling involves layering a light, opaque pastel over a darker layer, allowing some of the underlying color to show through. This technique creates texture and depth, making it a great way to add detail to a painting. Scumbling can also be used to create the effect of sunlight breaking through trees or clouds.

5. Storing and Transporting Pastels

When painting outdoors, one must consider how to store and transport pastels safely. The delicate nature of pastel sticks means they can easily break or get crushed. Investing in a well-padded pastel box or carrying case is a wise choice to keep your materials protected. Additionally, when transporting work that’s been completed, consider using a protective cover like a glassine sheet to keep the pastel from smudging.

For plein air artists who work with very large pastels, using a sturdy, compact travel case can help reduce the chance of damage. Larger paintings can be stored in a portfolio case with additional padding or foam, ensuring that the fragile surface of the painting is protected.

6. Managing Dust and Cleanliness

Working with pastels inevitably creates dust, which can be problematic when painting outside. The wind can carry pastel dust away from your painting, but it can also blow dust into your eyes or onto your face. To combat this, many plein air artists use face masks designed for artists. Additionally, cleaning your pastels is essential to ensure you are using clean colors in your work. A soft cloth or towel can be used to gently wipe the pastel sticks before use to keep them clean.

Conclusion

Plein air painting with pastels offers a fresh and exciting way to capture the beauty of the natural world. The immediate nature of pastels, along with their brilliant colors, makes them an excellent medium for translating the changing light and energy of the outdoors. However, plein air pastels also come with unique challenges, from managing light and weather to ensuring the longevity of your materials in the field. By mastering special techniques such as proper layering, blending, and the careful selection of pastels and surfaces, artists can create vibrant, dynamic pieces that capture the spirit of the moment.