Watercolour outdoors
by Bryan Kilgallin

Plein air watercolour is immediate. It captures fleeting atmosphere.
But pigments dry rapidly in sunlight. The hues lose saturation.

Newspaper photo
The Canberra Times published this photo. That was printed was on 31st January 2005. It was on page ten. I was sitting in front of Diana Davidson. The journalist appeared at an outdoor watercolour workshop. That was in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Notice the intense sunlight. As Canberra is 35° south of the equator.

Watercolour

Watercolour inspires creativity. This medium is capable of creative expression.

Student-quality watercolours are cheap and available.

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. One can depict shifting weather and natural light. The atmosphere conveys the mood or emotion of the landscape.
Composition includes: