Watercolour outdoors
by Bryan Kilgallin

Creating art in an outdoor environment captures transient moods. Nevertheless, watercolour paints dry rapidly in sunlight, presenting a technical difficulty. This is because pigments can lose vibrancy and become less saturated as they dry.

Newspaper photo
This photograph was published by the Canberra Times. It was printed on 31 January 2005, on page ten. It shows me sitting in front of Diana Davidson. This was taken during a plein air watercolour workshop at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Observe the intense Australian sunlight. As Canberra is located 35° south of the equator.

Watercolour

Watercolour is esteemed for its remarkable ability to inspire artistic creativity. Throughout different periods, the medium has evolved, showcasing its capacity for deep creative expression.

In countries with well-established art supply industries, student-quality watercolours are produced in large quantities and are affordable.

Watercolour is a fluid and transparent medium. Artists can create effects ranging from gentle, dreamlike backgrounds to striking, vibrant images. It is favoured for its ability to capture light, ambience, and emotion.

Typically, the paint is used on thick paper. You will also require paint, brushes, and water. The brushes can be made from natural hair or synthetic materials.

En plein air

The phrase en plein air pertains to the technique of painting outside. This enables the artist to depict the shifting weather patterns and natural illumination. The atmosphere conveys the mood or emotion of the landscape. Composition encompasses the foreground, middle ground, and background. The natural hues are lively and diverse.