Oil Painting Subject Matter in the Garden
Where to Find Artistic Inspiration Out of Doors
Mar 30, 2009
It is worth remembering that the light that falls onto the beauty spots that attract sightseers from far and wide comes from the same source as the light that floods the garden. Furthermore, the light in the garden is far brighter than the light that filters indoors or into the studio, even on a cloudy day.
Oil Painting Plein Air
The garden is a perfect springboard from which someone might try their hand at painting skies, still life, figures, pets and flora from life. Oil Painting from life is more immediate and more exciting that painting from photos indoors. And the kettle is but a few feet away.
Finding Inspiration From the Garden
Every garden has something to offer, regardless of how ordinary it might first seem. For instance, inspiration can be drawn from greenhouses, lawns, pots, hedges, pets, flowers, patios, trellises, sheds, children, tools, vegetables, urns, ornaments, bird boxes, fish ponds and, sunlight.
What Makes an Interesting Painting
The garden contains many focal points if one knows where to look: snoozing cat, a hanging basket, a vegetable patch. The garden is also full of backgrounds: a mossy brick wall, crazy paving, foliage. The composition is ready and waiting to be captured.
Setting up an Art Studio in One's Own PlotOne doesn’t need a wealth of art materials to get started. In fact, the many moods of the garden can be captured with but the three primary colours and white. Each individual can make up their own mind, but for those who do not know where to start, the following list might help.
Suggested List of Art Materials for Oil Painting
- Pigments: 115ml tube of Titanium white and 37ml tubes of cadmium red, permanent rose, French ultramarine, Pthalo blue, lemon yellow, cadmium yellow (pale), viridian, burnt umber and burnt sienna.
- Mediums: linseed oil and artist’s white spirit.
- Brushes: Sable or sable substitutes for oil or acrylic: sizes 3 and 6 and a size 10 stiff, flat paintbrush.
- Palette: Any non-absorbent surface can be used such as an old china plate or a plastic sheet taped over a rigid surface.
- Support: Ready stretched canvas, art boards, or for those on a budget, MDF primed with acrylic primer.
- Miscellaneous: Rags, two jars, a pencil for the preliminary drawing and a rubber.
Comfort whilst Oil Painting in the Garden
Everybody’s posture differs, but comfort is a must. A stiff neck or an aching back can easily be forgotten whilst trying to capture the light.
Anything can be used as a seat, so long as the thighs are parallel to the floor. Ensure the posterior is cushioned against hard surfaces. The painting can be clipped onto a drawing board or against the edge of a table. An easel can be used if the painting is big
Health and Safety whilst Oil Painting in the Garden
Beware of hot spots in the garden and also of bright sunlight bouncing off the painting surface. If possible, sit in the shade or under a parasol. Wear a hat, sun block, and possibly sunglasses. A cool drink always comes in handy.
Inspiration from One's Own Back Yard
There is nothing quite like sitting out in the garden and capturing the subject matter in oil from life. The light is more intense than indoors and it is more exciting than copying from photographs. The conveniences are close at hand and the art materials required need not be complicated or costly.
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