The Joy of Plein Air Painting

Poole Creek Symphany for Spring 20x24

With the startup of the 2025 Manotick Art Association Plein Air Program, I thought it might be appropriate to have a Blog about a recent experience I had painting along the Poole Creek in Stittsville. It has the essence of why I paint plein air whenever I can. So here goes. . .
Several weeks ago, when strolling down the Poole Creek path, near our home in Amberwood, I stopped to take in the fresh indicators of spring. The buds on the trees were just opening and I could see glimpses of the creek through tangled branches and scarlet stemmed dog wood in a background of shades of yellow and green of new growth. With songbirds calling and answering and trillium and daffodils peeking out, it felt like spring was happening all at once, all around me. And I was inspired to paint.
But how do I express the incredible feelings: the joy of the moment, my appreciation for seeing another spring and the awe of my minuscule contribution in the grand process of nature?
First I went back to my studio to collect my easel, back-back, paintbox and a 11x14 canvas. I walked down the path until I found the same spot and set down my tools. Rather than rush into painting, I took time to form a plan in my mind: a composition that would explore what I was seeing, hearing and feeling.
Finally, with a blank canvas on my easel, I squeezed out 8-10 acrylic colours, then loosely brushed in a composition with a grey wash and a minimum of strokes. In a short time the canvas was dry and the composition had my approval, I began applying colour to all areas of the little canvas. Time and location slipped from my mind and in less than one hour I felt the need to stop painting and step back. As I became aware of my surroundings, I compared the painting to what I had envisioned. It felt successful and I packed up and headed home with a smile.
Back in my studio, some days later, I put a 20x24 canvas on my studio easel and painted 'Poole Creek Symphony for Spring' from the 11x14 canvas propped up nearby. Adjustments to the 20x24 followed over weeks until I was satisfied. And I signed it.
The joys of Plein Air painting,
Charles Spratt
May 2025


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