Painting Nature Outdoors

There is something truly special about stepping outside with a sketchbook and a small watercolor kit and experiencing nature through painting.

This summer, I invite you to join me for a series of weekly plein air watercolor sessions in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Together, we will explore local parks, lakes, rivers, forests, and mountain viewpoints while learning how to capture the beauty of the natural world directly from observation.

Summer 2026 Plein Air Schedule:

Golden Ears View, Maple Ridge - July 7 - Register Here
North Alouette River, Pitt Meadows - July 14 - Register Here
Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge - July 21 - Register Here
216 St Dike, Maple Ridge - July 28 - Register Here
Port Haney Wharf, Maple Ridge - August 4 - Register Here
Trail Pavilion, Pitt Meadows - August 11 - Register Here
Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Maple Ridge - August 25 - Register Here
Davidson's Pool Park, Maple Ridge - September 1 - Register Here

Many artists today rely heavily on photographs, and while reference photos can be incredibly useful, there is no substitute for painting outdoors. When we work on location, we experience the changing light, the movement of clouds, the sounds of birds and water, and the subtle colors that are often lost in photographs. Painting outdoors teaches us to observe more carefully, simplify what we see, and make artistic decisions with confidence.

Plein air painting benefits artists of all skill levels for many reasons:

Observation and Perception

Working from life trains the eye to notice shapes, values, color relationships, and details that are often overlooked. It helps artists develop stronger observation skills and a deeper understanding of their subject.

Understanding Form and Proportions

Nature provides endless opportunities to study perspective, scale, and the structure of landscapes. Painting outdoors helps improve our ability to simplify complex scenes into strong compositions.

Capturing Authenticity and Atmosphere

Photographs often flatten a scene, while painting on location allows us to experience the true atmosphere of a place. We learn to capture changing light, weather conditions, and the mood of a landscape in a way that feels authentic and personal.

Enhancing Technical Skills

Outdoor painting encourages quick decision-making, efficient brushwork, and confident color mixing. These skills naturally strengthen all aspects of watercolor painting.

Inspiration and Creativity

Being surrounded by nature often sparks new ideas and encourages experimentation. Every location offers unique subjects, colors, and compositions waiting to be discovered.

Personal Connection and Well-Being

Spending time outdoors has a calming effect and allows us to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the natural world. Painting becomes not only a creative practice but also a way to nurture mindfulness and well-being.

Each session will begin with a short demonstration and discussion of the day's subject, followed by guided painting time and individual feedback. Participants are welcome to work in watercolor sketchbooks or on small studies, focusing on observation rather than perfection.

Whether you are new to plein air painting or looking to build a regular outdoor sketching practice, these sessions offer a supportive and inspiring environment to develop your skills while enjoying some of the most beautiful natural locations in our community.

I look forward to painting with you this summer and discovering the beauty of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows together.