Improve Your Color Choices, With One Easy Step

If your like most of us, any product that helps to improve your art is worth investigating.

We've all had those days when we're outside painting and the atmosphere and fast moving sunlight is tricky to determine what color and value a particular object is. The makers of the View Catcher have included a hole in there product to isolate a color from the background and make it easier to decide on a color choice. The beauty of this simple hole is the neutral gray plastic background material and the size of the view hole itself. I recommend not only isolating the color spot your trying to replicate but once you have mixed the paint; then view it through 1/2 of the hole at the same time comparing it to the actual color. This will train your eye to quickly mix the proper color and value of any subject you encounter.

Use the view hole to isolate a color from the busy background.

Improve Your Outdoor Paintings with One Easy Step

In the tool box of the modern plein air painter there is a handy item that stands out among the others: the View Catcher, (available through most art stores).
This handy device adjusts to many popular canvas size openings that you might choose for working in the field.

Here is how I incorporate this tool into my work:

1. After you have decided on a scene to paint (make sure it's something your passionate about), adjust the view finder to correspond to the size of canvas your painting on.
2. Place the view catcher directly on your sketch book and trace the window shape onto a page. Now you have a composition frame to work within for deciding your painting's layout.
3. Hold the View Catcher up to the scene and copy the scene exactly how it looks from the View Catcher onto the sketch pad.
4. Now you have a quick sketch to determine if the composition is going to give you a pleasant result or if you perhaps need to try another arrangement.
5. Do 2-3 small thumbnails before you start your painting and reap the benefits of having a well thought out plan before diving into the paint.

looks good for a 8"x 8" painting

draw a thumbnail sketch inside the box



Try these 3 Tips, and Improve Your Outdoor Paintings

So what are some simple ways to enhance your outdoor painting experience, keep you safe and improve the quality of your work?

The outdoor environment can be a tough place to work, especially in the remote desert country of southern Utah. Heat exhaustion, insects and dehydration are always moments away from ruining your day.

The Shirt:When I paint outdoors I always have my painting outfit on which includes by trusty Columbia PFG "Blood and Guts" shirt. I originally got this shirt for fly-fishing but it has since become my main uniform for painting outdoors. Several reasons for this; the shirt has UV protection built into the fabric, it's lightweight material is comfortable, it has a large cooling vent on the back shoulder area, it keeps mosquitoes at bay and....most important; the neutral gray color is perfect for painting in the sun because it doesn't reflect light onto your canvas and minimizes any color distortion.

The Hat: Get yourself a wide brimmed hat. This is essential to keep your eyes shaded while you paint. Find a hat like this one. It's made by Outback Trader and it is truly the perfect plein air hat. The color (just like the shirt) wont reflect an odd color on to the canvas or into your eyes. The material is tough and holds up well to the elements, the mesh upper portion is breathable and is very comfortable even in the desert heat, plus it comes with a chin strap for those windy afternoons. Above all.....you look real rustic, just the way a plein air painter should.

The Friend: Painting outside is usually a lonely affair. While most people have a 9-5 job that keeps them surrounded with co-workers, customers and bosses; the artist is often working alone in the field. Try to find a few people you can call on to go outside with you, maybe if one is busy the others can go. I have 3-4 people locally that join me once a week or so for an afternoon outing. After we paint, there's is usually a snack and a quick critique of each others work. It's safer sometimes to be close to people in case the heat gets to you and the general sharing of our lives is priceless.

Phil Wagner and my easel in Arches NP