Designing Harmony: Plein Air Drawing and the Art of Infusing Nature's Beauty into Interior Space
Drawing in nature, often called “plein air drawing” or sketching, offers a unique and enriching experience. Doing any art projects in nature can bring inspiration and creativity to new heights. This includes music, writing, dancing, and photography. Be sure to check out my previous blog, “See and Be Seen, A Guide to Perceptual Learning”, and how to tap into your senses through movement. As far as design purposes, spending time in nature will inspire you to bring more of that into your interior spaces, this type of Biophilic design brings nature into your home through landscaping and architecture.
As a nature enthusiast, I do as many things as possible outside, from exercising, music, yoga, art, and especially photography. But there is something extra special about sketch drawing outdoors, a sense of inspiration really comes through this process.
Let’s explore a bit about “plein air drawing”.
This term Is a French word, which means, "plein air" and translates to "open air" or "outdoors." In the context of art, particularly painting and drawing, it refers to the practice of creating works of art outdoors, directly in the open air, rather than in a studio. I love drawing and sketching in botanical gardens as I find all my creative ideas are at their highest peak and always find inspirational design ideas there.
I imagine all the great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer were known to make detailed studies of plants, animals, and landscapes. Van Gogh painted many of his masterpieces outdoors, embracing this plein-air technique. One of the most famous instances of this is his series of paintings depicting sunflowers, landscapes, and scenes from daily life.
Artists who engage in working on location capture the scenes and atmosphere of their surroundings. The term is closely associated with the Impressionist movement, where artists sought to depict the effects of light and color in natural settings.
For me, as I sketch my design ideas on paper while in nature, I can resolve challenges to my ideas and come up with some amazing solutions. Designers often find inspiration and innovative solutions by engaging with the natural environment.
Here are eight benefits of taking your art outside into nature:
Inspiration: Nature provides an abundance of inspiration. The colors, shapes, and textures found outdoors can stimulate creativity and offer new perspectives for your artwork.
Connection with the Environment: Drawing in nature allows you to connect with the environment on a deeper level. You become more aware of the details, the sounds, and the atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the natural world.
Enhanced Observation Skills: Being in nature encourages you to observe your surroundings more keenly. This heightened observation can translate into improved artistic skills, as you learn to capture the subtleties and nuances of the natural world.
Stress Reduction: Spending time outdoors and engaging in creative activities like drawing can contribute to stress reduction. Nature has a calming effect on the mind, and the act of drawing can be meditative, promoting relaxation.
Variety in Subject Matter: Nature provides an endless variety of subjects for your artwork. Whether it's landscapes, plants, animals, or changing weather patterns, you'll find diverse and dynamic subjects that can keep your artistic pursuits fresh and interesting.
Natural Light: Outdoor drawing exposes you to natural light, which is ideal for capturing colors accurately and enhancing the overall quality of your work. Natural light also changes throughout the day, providing different lighting conditions for your art.
I prefer afternoons and sunset hours.
Physical and Mental Well-being: Drawing in nature often involves physical activity, such as walking to find the perfect spot or adjusting your position to capture a scene. This combination of creativity and physical movement can contribute to overall well-being.
Community and Social Interaction: Taking your art outside may attract the attention of fellow nature enthusiasts or artists. Engaging with others who share an interest in art and nature can create a sense of community and provide valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration. I love taking classes outside.
These benefits can vary from person to person, and the most important aspect is to enjoy the process. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, drawing in nature can be a fulfilling and holistic experience that nurtures both your artistic skills and connection with the natural world. I also bring my art journaling, harp, and painting outside as well.
Have fun with your art in nature today (weather permitting of course!). If you don’t have a way to experience outside, then place all your art projects near a window and have plants and flowers all around you, this will keep that biophilia inspiration by your side.
This holiday season can be a great time to stock up your art room and get to those classes you have been dreaming of. Make it an artistic holiday this season and create your healthy design space by connecting with nature for inspiration.
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