Spring is Plein Air

Reflexion Knox Preserve | Watercolor

Plein air means 'out-of-doors' in French and is the practice of painting outside in the open air. However, for New England artist Lisa Miceli, plein air is much more. Lisa, who has been painting outdoors for over 20 years and teaching for the past three, defines plein air as the state of being truly present. "Plein air art is a mindful state where you look and listen. You are immersed in the environment around you, giving it your full attention and painting it as it is," says Lisa. Today, technology consumes our life, and we exist in a frenzy of movement, making the value of making art unrestricted by walls or screens essential.

The Fish Shack, Mystic Seaport | Ink and Watercolor

This desire to be out in the world founded the Plein Air movement in the 19th century. The practice began in the early 1800s with naturalists in England but gained popularity in the late 1860s with the invention of the portable paint tube and field easel. These new inventions made painting outside more accessible for artists. With the rise of Plein Air came the spontaneity that many felt was missing from classical studio work. It was revolutionary for the art world and spurred the growth of French Impressionism with great artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro.

Over a century later, plein air art had a resurgence in popularity during Covid-19. Like the original Impressionists, people sought plein air to get outside and spend time with others safely. Lisa's plein air classes continued throughout Covid, and she experienced first-hand how helpful they were for her students and herself to get through the pandemic. She says this is another critical marker of plein air's appeal -- the connection of creating with others.

Lisa found this connection in a life-changing workshop which cemented her path to becoming a full-time artist. This journey was meandering but meaningful, as she first had a long career as a psychologist. Having received a doctorate in clinical psychology from Michigan State, Lisa worked with hospitals, schools, and military and private practices to counsel families and children. Lisa took art classes and painted in her free time, but it wasn't until she did a week-long workshop with British plein air artist, Ron Ranson, that something clicked.

During these intensive classes with Ron, Lisa painted all day long and immersed herself in the gratification of making art with a community. Lisa describes Ron as an incredible instructor whose joyous approach to painting was infectious even at the age of 88. Ron brought the spirit of plein art into every session and shared that passion with Lisa. By the end of the week, she could see her work improving, and Ron told her that she had to keep painting. Hearing those words of affirmation was transformative for Lisa, and the immersion showed her that painting was what she needed to do.

Saltwater Farm Afternoon | Watercolor

After that, she painted anytime she could outside of her psychology practice and sought out other plein art painters. Several years ago, she connected with impressionist painter Howard Park and joined his "The Noank Nine" group. She started painting intensively every week with this collective and shortly after retired from psychology to dedicate full-time to her art. She now teaches classes with Howard and shares her love of plein air art. There is a beautiful camaraderie when Lisa holds group sessions with the other painters and everyone who crosses their paths. For example, one day, when Howard was painting, a six-year-old boy came over to watch. To the parents' dismay, Howard put his artwork on the ground and told the boy, "You paint on it." With wonder, the boy added his artistic mark to the painting. Whether it is a single child or passers-by on a busy painting session in town, Lisa has observed the positive impact of plein air art on those who encounter it. Many people have told her they bought watercolors and started painting after meeting her group.

While Lisa describes her path to being an artist as a meandering one, it is clear that this sense of community and helping others is the throughline that has guided her both as a psychologist and an artist. Lisa does not view them as separate things, stating that all her experiences as a psychologist led her to her current work. In teaching, Lisa carries on a legacy of shared artistry and provides others with a lifetime skill. Lisa's background helps her to guide adults into a form of creativity often forgotten since childhood, watching their growth as they release self-criticism and express themselves freely again.

The overarching health benefits are self-evident -- the human need for community, the proven advantages of spending time in nature, and mindfulness practice. The key to all of these, Lisa says, is “plein air changes how you relate to the world by teaching attention as a skill. Attention in plein air becomes a verb, something to be practiced by listening, seeing, hearing, and feeling your surroundings. In this, nature is the true teacher. Because of the ever-shifting environment, you must adapt to variables you cannot control, such as extreme weather, a bug in your paint, or hiking a mile to find the perfect light.” This ability to pay attention and let go has allowed Lisa to appreciate the world more deeply. "My plein air work has helped me exponentially in every possible way besides just being a painter," states Lisa.

As the Northern Hemisphere moves into Spring, it is plein air's time to shine, giving us a chance to make the most of the new growth around us to grow a little ourselves.

If you are intrigued with plein air painting yourself, Lisa suggests to:  find a local plein air group or find a workshop. If you want to do it independently, begin with a notebook, find your favorite outdoor place, and sketch. Research plein air material online, but keep it as minimal as possible. “At the end of the day,” says Lisa, “it's about having fun. Every painting leads to the next one. You just have to be there."

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about Lisa Miceli and purchase her artwork. Lisa will be conducting a plein air workshop this summer with Howard Park. If you want to join and discover the benefits of outdoor painting with others, see further details here.

Lisa Miceli