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