landscapes
The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests, majestic mountains, and sparkling waterways, offers an endless source of inspiration for plein air painters like me. I've been carrying my backpack filled with oil painting supplies on countless hikes, capturing the beauty of this region in all its variety.
Plein air painting, the practice of painting outdoors, is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit. It forces me to slow down, observe the world around me with fresh eyes, and capture the ephemeral beauty of nature. The ever-changing light, the movement of clouds and trees, and the sounds of birds and wind all play a role in creating a truly immersive painting experience.
I've found that the Pacific Northwest is particularly well-suited for plein air painting. The region's diverse landscapes, from the rugged coastlines of the Olympic Peninsula to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, offer a wide range of subjects to paint. And the temperate climate, with its long summer days and relatively mild winters, makes it possible to paint outdoors year-round.
One of my favorite places to paint en plein air is Mount Rainier National Park. The park's towering peak, glaciers, and wildflower-filled meadows provide endless inspiration. I've also enjoyed painting at the Columbia River Gorge, where the dramatic views of the river and waterfalls make for breathtaking paintings.
This style of paintings has some challenges. The changing light, sudden downpours and cold air, wind that knocks the easel down and sometimes the access to a good painting spot can be tough to navigate. Despite the challenges, I find that plein air painting is an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows me to connect with nature on a deeper level and to capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in a way that no photograph can. The paintings I create en plein air are not just works of art; they are also cherished memories of my time spent exploring these beautiful hiking trails.
