Interested in plein air painting?
Maui’s plein air painter provides a tip when getting started painting outdoors.
Maui offers an ideal setting for painting outdoors, with its consistently pleasant weather and diverse natural beauty. The term plein air comes from the French phrase meaning "in the open air." Plein air painting involves stepping outside the confines of the studio to create art within the landscape. While the practice has deep historical roots, it gained widespread recognition with the rise of the French Impressionists. These artists were driven by a fascination with natural light and its fleeting variations. Thanks to innovations like portable paint tubes and the early box easel—an ancestor of today’s plein air setups—they were able to take their work out in nature.
Artists, including Ellen Friel, are inspired by the island’s dramatic contrasts—towering volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, vibrant beaches, and the ever-changing hues of the ocean and sky. The quality of light in Hawaii is distinctive, casting unique shadows and tones that shift throughout the day. Whether capturing sunrise over Haleakalā or the golden hour along the coast, painting on location in Maui deepens an artist’s connection to the land and its natural rhythms.
One great tip for someone just starting out with plein air painting? Start simple and focus on capturing light and shapes rather than details.
When you're outside, the light changes quickly, and it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to paint everything you see. Begin with a small canvas or sketchbook, limit your color palette, and try to capture the overall mood or composition instead of getting caught up in fine details. Think of it as a visual impression rather than a perfect replica—just like the Impressionists did!