Observations on the art of painting

Creating a pleasing, meaningful painting is a work of problem solving.  When an artist begin to paint there are so many questions to answer.  And it really takes concentration.  As an artist gets more experienced, the some questions are answered subconsciously, but need to be answered none the less.  

The first problem starts with the painting subject itself.  The composition, the layout (if the canvas should be horizontal or vertical), focal point, depth of view, sharp and soft edges, contrast, perspective, movement, dimension, the contrast ...and on and on.  Plein air painting also includes catching the light at a certain moment, unlike working in the studio with a photo. This problem solving continues throughout the creation of the painting to the end.

Someone watching an artist painting may not appreciate all the mental work the artist is going through because it looks so simple as choosing colors and applying paint to canvas.  Actually there is a lot of concentration going on.  And a plein air painter must also deal with the elements as well; temperature, wind, quality of light, bugs, and near by facilities to name a few.  Some times these elements can break concentration.  

Then there is always the attraction factor.  Most artists love to have people admire their works, but it can be intimidating to have someone looking over your shoulder when you are working out problem solving.  

 If observers are very quiet and stand back to watch, most artists can still work and not be bothered.  If the artist decides to take a painting break, she can then acknowledge those watching and answer questions.  I just mention this because the public can be so interested and many do not realize the artist is actually "at work" and may seem rude when not talking right then.