Melanie Cossey

Painter-Writer-Editor

En Plein Air is a french expression, meaning "open air" or "in the fresh air."

 Before there were photographs, if artists wished to capture a scene, they would have to expose themselves to the elements in order to capture that scene on canvas. That meant tolerating all the realities of nature, such as sudden wind gusts, cloud bursts, sunburns, bug bites, distracting noises and talkative onlookers.

Similarly, I recently found myself longing to experience what those artists of long ago experienced, namely braving the trials and tribulations of nature in order to learn some very valuable artist skills. I venture to teach myself a better understanding of perspective, depth of field, quickness and looseness of stokes and a better understanding of light temperatures, colours and hues.

This is what brings me to Plein Air painting.

I invite you to visit my blog daily, where I will be posting the day's painting along with the story of how it came to be. On the main page of my website I will post the day's location as well as a link where you can read more information about the area where I'll be painting. If you live locally, please come down and visit me. Bring your painting supplies and join me. If not, please visit the link and you can be with me in spirit.

Sincerely,

Melanie Cossey,

Artist