Do you want to improve your painting quickly? You can with plein air painting. Even if you are unsure about plein air you will learn so much from this approach. To make your outdoor painting easier I am going to give you top painting tips. There is a fun video showing you around the Karoo area where I painted recently painted plein air.
Plus a link to my Free Plein Air Painting Guide. Let's dive in! 
What do you need to setup your plein air painting adventure? Glad you asked because in this three part series of videos I am going to show you exactly how. First we look at the materials you need to make a go of your plein air painting. Then we take a little trip to the beach to paint a study in oils. Then back to the studio to consider the painting. All in all plein air painting is a delight when you have the basics in place. So let's dive into the world of plein air.
If the seventies and eighties were formative years in your life then you will be heading off to the movies. Perhaps for a second or third time? I am of course referring to the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, that is currently on circuit. I also went to see it recently. The experience (because it is) rekindled intense memories. Personally I loved the movie. My wife and I have chatted about it a lot these past few days. It has given us a little shake up. With hindsight comes perfect clarity they say. Well, somewhat clearer anyway. After spending a few days mulling over this movie, the old times and what the heck it all means anyway, I have an answer. It is so painfully simple. 
How do you respond to setbacks or frustration with your work? For artists this question is especially important. Most artists work alone and must keep creating new work. This can create pressure especially when this involves personal expectations. For example, which of these people remind you of someone? 
They say that there are three chronic types of fear: the fear of failure, fear of success and fear of change. Which one do you relate to?
Studies suggest that the greatest fear out of these three is the fear of change. I have to agree based on my limited experience. But I believe that this fear also has the greatest potential for helping us grow. There is no better time to start than right now. Ready? 
Be careful what you wish for. It may come true, but not quite as you hoped for. This ancient moral is explored in the spooky story, The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs. Even if Halloween is not your thing you may enjoy this fun, but chilling tale. I certainly had fun putting a reading together for my Artist's Journey Podcast. So turn the lights down and listen to this classic story.
In this podcast episode I want to explore how attitude influences out creative process. How can we get more control over creating positive work when our moods and attitudes are easily influenced? It is not always easy. Especially for artists. You can listen to the episode below. Plus there is a full transcript if you prefer to read. 
Are you starting to lose momentum? Do you start off in January with a plan and get stuck during February. Try again in March and find you are running on empty the next month or so? This is a familiar pattern for me. Perhaps you can relate? This is a pattern that affects everybody. Even retirees find themselves burned out and need to renew their energy reserves. How can you eliminate this destructive pattern so that you have quality time for work and play? 
Light. What would we do without it? Our little blue planet depends on it. At least life on the planet does. And somewhere in the entire hierarchy of beings dwell the artists. Those peculiar people who seek out light in all its forms for their works of art. Sunrise, sunset and in all weather conditions light in its abundance or elusiveness continues to mesmerize the landscape artist. Seems a pity not to do a good job with it then.  The Grahamstown National Arts Festival kicks off at the end of June each year. It is a wonderful occasion that stands out in South Africa as a beacon for the arts. Eleven days of celebrating of all that is artsy-fartsy in this small cathedral city. I love it. I went to university there and I have not missed a festival since. But are festivals like this still relevant and sustainable?
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AuthorMalcolm Dewey: Artist. Country: South Africa 
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