Some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes are those where the trees are bare and the land is covered with ice and snow and the light is full of reflected rays, unexpected color and interesting contrasts. Plein air painters are often tempted out from their winter homes so record this season where nature sleeps. It can be a rewarding time to observe landscapes and record the wonder of this, the coldest time of year. Weather conditions are always a concern for plein air painters but the key is preparation. I don't paint in active rain or snow and my least favorite is wind but otherwise I venture out in cold weather as long as I'm sure of a spot for my easel. It's all about preparation.

There are particular challenges unique to plein air painting in winter and not all mediums are suited to the conditions. I don't recommend taking watercolor, gouache or acrylic paints out in sub zero temperatures but pastels would probably be fine and a variety of drawing materials could be fun to use. Oil paints work well in the cold and the standard mediums  for oils stay workable even below freezing. 

Choosing a place to paint can be critical in winter.  Park in the sun if you can. That can make a big difference when you get back from painting and are waiting for the car heater to warm up. While the views may be gorgeous from your car on the highway, finding a safe place to park can be a challenge. Roads are plowed before sidewalks or parking lots so it's hard to find a place to park safely away from traffic. Check local parks, churches and businesses to find safe parking. If it's private property, it might be a good idea to explain what you are doing and be sure you welcome. Never park close to active roadways where vehicles might slide out of control. In cities people are quite territorial about parking spots that they have shoveled. You might not be able to get views of rolling vistas, but there can be really lovely views of trees and interesting buildings from parking lots that are quite ordinary at other times of year. Don't forget to check out your own backyard. No parking needed and you have easy access to your warm house for breaks.  If you want to get really close to nature you might want to bring a snow shovel and carve out a spot with a view. 

Set a timer so you don't forget to stop and reevaluate how you feel. Step away from the painting and wiggle toes and move your muscles. Painting can be so absorbing that you can forget self care and thats dangerous. Have a plan to get somewhere warm especially if your car battery dies as they sometimes do in the cold. Maybe a nearby business would let you warm up in an emergency. Worst case have a warm blanket or a mylar sheet in the car. Your phone battery can also die of cold so make sure it is fully charged before you leave the car and keep it in an inside pocket so it works in emergencies. Make sure you have cell phone service and that someone knows where you are. Painting  with a buddy in groups as always has advantages for safety and company. 

Timing is everything and winter days are short but that's OK if you plan accordingly. Have everything ready and make sure you get to your painting location when the light is where you want it whether that is early morning, high noon or dusk. I personally have not attempted winter nocturnes but the temperature drops considerably after sundown. In cold conditions it becomes even more important to paint fast and efficiently. I mix some colors on my palette before I leave the car and make sure I'm well organized with necessities to hand so I'm not wasting precious painting time looking for something I need. Anything that keeps you warm increases the time you have to paint. The ground gets cold in winter even if it's not covered in snow, so a shop mat, a bathroom rug or even a piece of cardboard can keep toes warm and make it easier to find dropped brushes.

Dressing in layers and warm fabrics like fleeces or puffy coats make a big difference. This is no time for fashion statements and if you look like a blimp, nobody cares.  I like puffy vests that don't constrain arm movement and I have an old puffy coat several sizes too big that lets me add layers underneath. A hat and scarf are important since the head and neck with their rich blood supply are particularly sensitive to cold. Wrists and ankles also need extra protection.  I repurpose my husband's old socks by cutting off the tops and making wrist and ankle warmers.  Footwear should be comfortable, non slip, and allow for thick or layered socks. Mittens are warmer than gloves but make it difficult to paint. Some use them for choosing a spot and setting up an easel and then switch to fingerless gloves.  Hand warmers are a boon, so have those in your pocket to warm freezing fingers. If you don't have commercial ones, microwave large potatoes for 6 minutes . Wrap them in aluminum foil and you will have hours of warmth in your pockets. I bring a thermos with coffee, tea or hot chocolate for a comforting warmth although I generally leave them in the car for breaks or to warm me after painting. There is nothing more miserable than the combination of cold and hunger so carry a snack. A granola bar stores well in heat or cold and doesn't get moldy if it gets forgotten in the bottom of an art bag. I use baby wipes to clean paint off my hands before eating.

 Stand or sit in the sun if you can. The disadvantage is blinding light but if you face away from it the sun can keep you painting for extra minutes. Paint fast.  Plein air is all about catching a fleeting impression so forget about details. Using big brushes and small panels can help. Focus on the big shapes and getting the color you want.  Snap a few reference photos in case you need them later to develop the scene but don't depend on them. Photos help with drawing and as reminders of what you saw, but they are terrible for capturing color, or dark and light values.

Be willing to leave if you don't feel safe or need to warm up.  No marks for extreme painting. It's just not worth taking risks with health and safety. Live to paint another day. If all this sounds daunting, try painting  winter scenes from inside your car or house. That way you can use any medium and stay warm. Plein car or home window painting is a great option for anyone who has physical limitations or isn't prepared to face the winter cold.

Happy Winter Painting!

Katherine Farrell

Sheebeenbusy Studio