Why I Love to Paint Outdoors

It all started many years ago, when Grant Tigner, a professional artist, whom I had just met, invited me to come along with a few artist friends to paint the landscape. I had dabbled with drawing and sketching, but knew nothing about painting outdoors. So I dug out an old folding chair and a box with a few brushes and some watercolour paint.

We arrived at a farm in the Gatineau Hills. I watched attentively as the others set up their easels and began to sketch and discuss shifting light, ultramarine blue and other artist things that I didn’t understand. Somehow, I got a decent sketch done because I was invited to come back. By the time I got home, I realized that I had so much to learn: like, what’s ultramarine? And find out where to buy a plein air easel.

Actually, I had no idea at all how to get started! But with some coaching by Grant, I started looking at the landscape in new ways. Even though my daily job kept me outside much of the time, I began to see the effects of sunlight on shadows, colour in rivers and streams, even seeing those Gatineau Hills from across the Ottawa River differently. I became conscious of the seasons and the changes in the trees and clouds in new ways. And I became determined to learn more and enjoyed every minute of it all.

I began to feel like my brush, arm and eyes were beginning to work as one and that colours could be influenced by my impressions or even someone else’s idea. At first I tried to get everything right. Later I learned how to take time to listen to myself and take direction from my inspirations and awe. In time paintings improved. Time and again Grant Tigner would say to just “paint acres of canvas”.

My work has changed over the years. It feels like I’ve been on a winding road: learning to paint in oils, pivoting to challenging watercolours and then morphing to acrylics. At 88 years of age I am still searching for my best painting yet. I am more sure now, in my style and impression. Just love to paint.

Charlie

January 2026