Roberta M. Tiemann, NWWS, MoWS, MTWS
Watercolors

Plein Air Gallery

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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.

Examples of my watercolor paintings completed on location...

Phillips Farm Pond

Phillips Farm Pond
14"x10"
Marcia's Place

Marcia's Place
13.5"x8"


Me and my Jeep Wrangler "Casper" in the field..... Roberta and Casper
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. Occasionally I do paint a true "Plein air" painting and enjoy the challenge of bugs, heat, wind and the ever-changing light to try and capture a moment in time. When winter sets in I take what I have learned into my studio where I spend time applying my "plein air education" to my studio work.



8"x10" Oil paintings painted on location

Whitman County

Whitman County
Colfax, Washington
Spring Flats

Spring Flats
Colfax,Washington
Near Kamiak

Near Kamiak
Whitman County, Washington
Sunnyside Sheep

Sunnyside Sheep
Pullman, Washington
Sunnyside Goats

Sunnyside Goats
Pullman, Washington
Albion Parvin Road

Albion Parvin Road
Whitman County, Washington

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