Plein Art Painting with Pingu the Penguin

Everything I learned about painting outdoors, I learned from Pingu. Now you can too!
(Reload the page if video does not appear)

Remember:

1. Be ready when inspiration strikes! Store all your supplies together in a trusty ol’ paint box. Don’t forget the beret.

2. Scout out a painting location, but don’t think too much into it. Allow the subject matter to choose you.

3. Set up quickly in a place where you’re comfortable. Get the composition and values on the page.

4. Be bold! Don’t be stingy with your paint. Load that palette up with key colors in your favorite arrangement.

5. Be selective with live models. There are some real weirdos out there.

6. Things change fast. Commit to your first impression. Don’t get caught up chasing. It rarely works.

7. If you really mess up, start over. No big deal.

8. Don’t feel pressured to share your early works in progress with people, even if they beg. Show off when the work is ready.

9. Ignore the critiques of your friends. They don’t know what they’re talking about. Especially if they went to art school.

10. Respect your environment. Leave absolutely nothing behind. No dumping dirty water, solvents or paints. You could ingest that toxic cadmium one day. So could a bald eagle, or a coot, a trout, a seal, or even a penguin. You see?

Catching birds with paint and paper. Photo by Brian.
Catching birds with paint and paper. Photo by Brian Carpenter.

Bonus tip: Bring a comfortable seating device. A blanket, camp chair, folding stool, chaise lounge, whatever. Boggy logs may be in short supply.

1 Comment

  1. Heather

    I ADORE Pingu!!!

Comments are closed