My Big Mistake! How to Achieve Perfect Values in Plein Air Painting (Part 1)

In this video you will learn how to manage light to achieve perfect values in your artwork. Discover the challenges posed by sunlight and the techniques that can help you capture the true values of your subject's color. See the mistake I made painting outdoors. Also the difference that proper value management can make in your plein air painting.
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[@juliegriffiths4272]

Thank Malcom, something I'd never considered.

[@yazoorose7977]

I like the darker value painting alot

[@tawengwamagada3932]

Thank you Malcolm

[@Sheena268]

Thank you for those tips when painting en plein air Malcolm, it makes me think of a saying I heard long ago, it goes something like this, “Wise is the man who learns from his mistakes, but wiser still is he who learns from others” I shall try to take on board your good advice, one I always seem to forget is to stand back ! 😘

[@MalcolmDewey]

😊 Well said, thanks Sheena

[@demej00]

Gosh I think the painting is much more interesting than the landscape. Beautiful.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, that is a bonus 😊

[@theponderingpilgrim4342]

A great video tutorial Malcolm. It is funny, you know but I tried a few times painting some still life's with Gouache in my studio. The way I had lit the studio set up, I had a bright light on the objects being painted and also another bright light on my easel, in an otherwise darkened room. I couldn't work out why in those cases, as to why some of my darks looked way out, same for some of the lights. But your video, has given me the answer I couldn't find at the time. Many thanks Malcolm, it is really appreciated. As for painting Plein Air outdoors, I am not brave enough yet. But will take the plunge one day.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Interesting! Studio lights will do this too. Thanks for sharing this tip.

[@AndiNewtonian]

Excellent tip! I'd never thought about that. I haven't tried plein air yet, but I'll keep this in mind when I do.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you

[@terrierose5917]

I have yet to paint outdoors, fear of failure I guess. This video gives me the confidence now to give it a try.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Happy to hear that Terrie

[@tairua2]

Another great video. 😊

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you!

[@Evelyn-tk8mn]

Thank you! Game changer!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Happy to help!

[@marinab106]

Oh Malcolm, I can totally see your style there 😍 but you know... it might be incorrect for whatever time of day it was, but I think it looks great, just like one of those sunny days with a storm approaching fast...very atmospheric, I love it!!❤❤❤

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you Marina. It was fun and a nice memory. A keeper 😀

[@teresamiller3513]

Thank you Malcolm for this great lesson on using a value chart for getting the right values while painting outdoors. This lesson gave me the info I needed to explain why my last Plein Air painting is so drab. Thank you!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Great to hear this helps.

[@simonnemason2162]

Oh dear! I've been there and done that! Thanks for the tips.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Any time!

[@annebenkendorf4364]

Helpful information . Thank you. 3:14

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-eq2cw2db7h]

🫣👍🤔🤔🫣👍🖌️😁 from Frances uk

[@sarahkrank2590]

I wouldn't have given a bright green or yellow shirt a single thought until you said "wear neutrals". Dang! Of course the color of your clothing could alter the colors on the painting but I'd never have noticed until it was much too late. (Same with an umbrella.) All excellent advice!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, clothing color makes a big difference.

[@vesnabreskvar9082]

Thanks for the interesting presentation,Malcolm! I will probably never paint outdoors,except from the terrace and with a fence around me,but I'm still looking forward to your future instructions on this topic (or maybe a course?)

[@MalcolmDewey]

That sounds good Vesna. You must try it. I have plans for plein air lessons too.

[@vesnabreskvar9082]

😄@@MalcolmDewey

[@friederike9602]

Thank you so much for this Video. My biggest take away apart from learning about Color values, was about how to Deal with mistakes when painting. Casually Aknowledge them, but dont blow them out of proportion and let them keep u from trying again. Thanks for beeing brave enough to Share your lessons learnt with us. Kudos

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@c.s.102]

Great advises, thank you!! Wonder if you have a pleinair budget material plein air starters video. I see fancy and expansive plein air materials on several sites. Have you a video or ideas for different budget plein air painting? I must say I feel a bit scared to expose myself outdoors so that wiil be a " fun "challenge ! 😅

[@MalcolmDewey]

Great suggestion! I will do something soon regarding the easel and a few cost saving tips.

[@mona2242]

@@MalcolmDeweylooking forward !I spent too much money on a Siena pochade , medium size. It can hold various sizes of canvases but the palette is ridiculously small for mixing colors.