Studio or Outdoors?
As the seasons shift—whether you're entering the chill of winter or the heat of summer—you might wonder: should you keep painting outdoors or retreat to the studio? Personally, I believe there’s no "right" season for painting. It’s less about the weather and more about continuing to learn and keeping your skills sharp.
You can grow just as much painting in the dead of winter, indoors, as you can braving the summer sun—maybe just earlier in the day and with plenty of water. But if you start feeling stuck or uninspired in the studio, that’s a clear sign: grab your gear and head outside.
Give outdoor painting a few consistent days, and I promise—you’ll return to your studio with renewed creative energy and momentum. Being outside challenges you to stay alert and responsive. The shifting light and changing weather push you to paint with focus and adaptability, strengthening your skills in ways the studio can’t always match.
On the flip side, after spending extended time painting outdoors, I often feel the pull back to the studio—to work on larger, more complex pieces. It’s not about scale for the sake of it, but about diving into compositions that require more thoughtful design and slower decision-making.
The rhythm works both ways. When I’m in the studio for too long, I know it’s time to get back outside. If your work starts to feel stale or uninspired, that’s usually your cue—it doesn’t matter what season it is. The key is balance.
There’s no strict formula here. A healthy mix of studio and plein air painting can keep your creative energy flowing. Trust your instincts, and spend as much time as you need in each space. You’ll know when it’s time to shift.