Roberta M. Tiemann, NWWS, MoWS, MTWS
Watercolors Palouse Plein Air

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What is Plein Air Painting?
"Plein Air" is a French term meaning "out in the open air" It applys to paintings done outside on location as opposed to inside studio work. Plein air paintings are a direct response by the artist to a scene or subject seen in the natural light and atmosphere. The term "Plein Air" was first introduced by the French Impressionists in the mid 19th century and at that time it was considered quite a radical way of working. Now many artist feel "Plein Air" painting is essential to an artist's education. Only by seeing and experiencing the subject first hand and not just by photographs is an artist able to see the true nature of color and light.

For those of you who have entered my web site through this "Plein Air" page be sure and visit my Gallery page to view my studio work. Click at the top of this page on Gallery.

Me and my Jeep Wrangler "Casper" in the field.....

I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible gathering information and learning from nature. I often work in my sketchbook trying out new ideas, compositions and color combinations. I enjoy the freedom the sketchbook approach allows me to try things I might not otherwise try. While "Plein air" painting I enjoy the challenge of bugs, heat, wind and the ever-changing light to try and capture a moment in time.

Watercolor paintings painted on location

"Plein Air on Woods Road"
Near the Idaho border
Pullman, Washington
8"x12"
"Quiet Day Plein Air"
Moscow, Idaho
9"x14"

Near Viola, Idaho
11"x15"
Klemgard Trees
Colfax, Washington
11"x14"

View from Roundtop 2
Pullman, Washington
11"x14"
Phillips Farm Pond
Moscow, Idaho
14"x10"

Manning Road 1
Colfax, Washington
11"x15"
Manning Road 2
Colfax, Washington
15"x11"

Estes Road
Pullman, Washington
11"x15"

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