Book Review: Plein Air Techniques for Artists by Aimee Erickson

Title: Plein Air Techniques for Artists

Author: Aimee Erickson
Genre: Nonfiction - Art - Painting
Publisher: Rockport Publishers - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379356
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Take your plein air artwork to the next level through easy-to-understand workshop-style lessons and skill-building exercises. 

In Plein Air Techniques for Artists, award-winning artist and respected workshop instructor Aimee Erickson demystifies how to capture a variety of light effects and guides you in strengthening your plein air skills through practice. This accessible book covers: 

• Materials and gear. Gain a basic knowledge of the possibilities so you can keep your options open and your plein air process fresh. 
• Composition and value. Explore the impact of proportion, color, value, line, edges, shape, and texture. 
• Color. Consider how knowledge and intention, your color palette, and what you see—your perspective—take turns being in charge of the color game, inventing rules and finding solutions. 
• Light effects. Learn how conditions of the day—how much light there is, and whether it’s soft, diffuse, golden, harsh, pale, or dusky—affect everything we see and how we paint. 
• Design and the visual idea. Discover strategies for developing a visual idea, from creating serial studies to working with a camera to improvisation. 

Featuring exceptional still lifes, figures, and landscapes by other noted artists working in a range of mediums, Plein Air Techniques for Artists gives artists at all levels of experience the guidance they need to grow as a plein air artist.

Review: "Plein air" is just a fancy way of saying "painting outside." It normally is referring to painting during daylight hours, but Aimee Erickson doesn't limit the techniques demonstrated in this book to strictly daytime. Plein Air Techniques for Artists covers the range from morning, noon, and even twilight and nocturnal. (Personally, I think nocturnes are far more interesting than daylight paintings and don't receive nearly enough attention.)

Erickson covers the basics from materials and gear to various forms of lighting--indirect, back, front, sunlight and shadow, and nocturnes--to special effects and even includes a glossary and quick reference guide. As part of the materials and gear section, I appreciated the explanation of the various mediums and their pros/cons such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc. Erickson also provides information on composition and value, perspective, color, and so much more. 

Plein Air Techniques for Artists is perfect for the beginner as well as the more experienced artist who may be looking to expand their knowledge.