David Gordon Plein Air Artist

I consider myself an intuitive painter. I paint representationally or you could say realistically but rather than honing a set technique, my process is based on looking and seeing. From direct observation I translate what I see spontaneously by feel. Especially at the beginning I put paint down loosely and quickly without worrying about getting it right, knowing that I can paint over these initial explorations. I’m often surprised at how many of these purely spontaneous brushstrokes turn out to be spot on! They don’t get painted over but stay to the very end as part of the final piece! As the painting progresses I try to keep this spontaneous approach and continue to feel my way through – not getting more careful but getting more precise because I am building on information that I already put down. To say that I feel my way through the paining is more literal than it might seem. I almost do feel what I see. I reach for it with as much of a feeling sense as a from visual sense.

I think that there may be something of a revival of plain air painting these days and I am proud to be a part of that. Direct observation is key to bringing the feeling of the places I paint to life. It becomes a full-body experience. I take off my shoes and feel the earth. Besides looking I also hear the wind in the trees, feel the breezes on my face, feel my sweat and the mosquitos biting me. I also see over and over that there are colors in nature that just do not get captured in photographs. Many painters think of plein air in terms of small, one-session paintings. My process is less common in that I haul large canvases to amazing locations and go back again and again at the same time of day and in the same light conditions. Some paintings take as many as twenty-four 2-3 hour sessions!

As my plein air practice developed I began to realize that I was drawn to paint on land that was well cared for and treated with respect. Without any conscious intention, I created a body of work painted at restoration projects or conservancy lands. I also formed natural friendships with the land stewards and there was a sense of mutual appreciation between us. I now make it a point to post about the places where I paint. Share the stories of the land restoration projects and donate paintings and prints to fundraising events.

Direct observation, painting in incredible natural places and working spontaneously by feel are what keep me inspired and give my paintings the breath of life. I want to share my inspiration with those who look at my work. Inspiration is an amazing space to hang out in and I know that it is accessible to everyone – not just artists! If I can bring you there or encourage you to take steps towards your inspired state, then I have accomplished what I set out to do. I also aspire to communicate the beauty and feeling of the land and the places I paint, share the stories of those who care for the land, and to help others appreciate the beauty around them.