"Sunnyside Stroll"

"Sunnyside Stroll"

Oil on Panel, 8x6 inches

Every Saturday morning, a group of artist friends meet at our local Sunnyside Art Supply store for a day of plein air painting.   Loaded down with paints and canvases, we eagerly set out on foot to explore the lovely historic neighbourhood of Sunnyside.

Painting en plein air is a French phrase which literally means, "in the open air". Heading out of your studio with your gear to paint the elements is challenging, to say the least, and not every painting is successful. This practice goes back centuries and it's a wonderful way for artists to paint nature from life and also enjoy the camaraderie of friends at the same time.

For the landscape painter, these little paintings might serve as studies for larger paintings back in the studio.  Perhaps painted in milder weather and developed in larger more complex paintings in the colder months of the year. Plein air paintings have become hugely popular with collectors who appreciate the freshness of these works that capture a moment in time in such a simple way.

For me, painting en plein air is a wonderful way to get out of my studio and enjoy painting at its finest ... I was happy with this little painting done at a spot I've painted numerous times with friends.  I hope you like it!