My First Plein Air Gathering at Gallery North: Painting with the Breeze and Birds

My First Plein Air Gathering at Gallery North: Painting with the Breeze and Birds

After this year’s Wet Paint Festival, Gallery North has introduced a new monthly plein air meeting. Today I attended the first one. This time of quiet painting with other artists in nature seemed to open up another new season.

​This is the watercolor I painted during today’s Plein Air meeting.
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At first, it started to drizzle a little, and I hesitated—but once I set up my spot, the peaceful view in front of me just drew me in.
There was something so charming about the old shed and the patch of wildflowers blooming beside it. The greenery in the background felt like a soft, quiet embrace, almost like I had stepped into a secret garden.
It wasn’t a manicured scene, but that unpolished, natural beauty was what made it so special.
While painting, I tried to capture the way the light gently moved through the space—how it seemed to brush across the flowers and trees.
Though it was a short session, I’m really grateful for the stillness and connection I felt with the landscape today.

​Joined my first Plein Air Collective meeting at Gallery North and discovered the quiet joy of painting outdoors. Surrounded by birdsong, breeze, and shifting light, I found inspiration and connection in nature—and in the company of fellow artists.

These are some of the tools I brought with me for the Plein Air session.
One thing I highly recommend to fellow artists is a sturdy black wagon—it makes it so easy to carry everything in one trip, no matter where you're painting.
This time, I also used a cup holder to organize my brushes, and it turned out to be incredibly useful. It kept everything upright and within reach while I worked.
Unfortunately, it started to rain halfway through the session, and since I was working with watercolor, I had to stop and head back home.
Next time, I’m definitely packing a small umbrella—just in case!

07-13 Plein Air CollectiveSunday, July 13th
7:00am - 10:00am

​What is Plein Air?

**Plein Air** means ‘outdoor’ or ‘outside’ in French, and in art, it refers to a method of painting by observing nature directly outdoors. In particular, it is key to express the changes in light and the colors of nature in real time, and 19th century impressionist painters—such as Monet and Renoir—favored this method. It is characterized by capturing vivid feelings and momentary impressions on site, not in a studio.

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Gallery North's Plein Air Collective Meeting Guide

​This is an irregular outdoor art gathering held once a month. There are no lectures, and artists gather together to work freely with their own materials. Any materials such as oil paints, watercolors, pastels, and colored pencils can be used. Participants must prepare their own tools such as easels, chairs, palettes, and brushes. It is a place for artists to exchange ideas and share the joy of creation.

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There’s something truly special about painting outdoors.
The sound of birds, the gentle breeze, and the way the light and atmosphere change from moment to moment—being able to capture those shifting impressions brings me so much joy.

Although today’s session began right in the backyard of Gallery North, I stumbled upon a beautiful little corner that felt like a hidden gem. I’m deeply grateful to have discovered it.

I also want to sincerely thank the organizers for offering this opportunity to local artists.

Plein air painting can often feel a bit lonely or even intimidating when done alone—but having others nearby, quietly working on their own pieces, created such a warm and encouraging atmosphere.
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It reminded me how powerful and inspiring it is to create together, even in silence. I’m already looking forward to the next gathering.