painting in an outdoor location is metaphysical in a way
because it allows the viewer the sense of
'being there in the moment'
The main focus in my work, is the feeling of being there.
It's important to me to record the first impression of the lighting on the subject I'm painting and the excitement that comes with it if it works out.
The piece is successful for me, if it contains a simulation of movement that's physical or emotional. For the viewer, removed from the atmosphere where the piece was created, the painting is intended to be a connection to a sense of place that they may recognize on some level. Since most all of my painting is done on an island or at Niagara Falls, I can forward that 'blue space' feeling to those who view my paintings.
We experience our world through external stimuli - sight, sound and feeling. An artist creating a painting en plein air has the unique edge of suggesting all three in a manner more effective than many other art forms.
There's that connection that happens when you are drawn to a certain painting, you know, the one you keep coming back to ? Doesn't mean you have to be in line with what the artist was thinking but, the artist has been successful, non the less, on a subconscious level.
The artist has engaged you in the painting.
J.R. Baldini
