Sketching and Painting Outdoors with Watercolour - Amberley, Sussex

It's time to leave the studio and get out and about into the landscape. For all of you that want to progress with landscape painting, being outdoors observing your subject and learning more about it is an essential element in your development. Here we shift our focus away from technical exercises and equipment-related discussions (that can overtake our thinking sometimes) and spend time learning about and understanding our genre and subject - the landscape itself.
You'll find me in Amberley, Sussex on the banks of the River Arun - first I make a quick pencil sketch of some teasels growing on the river bank and then paint a quick watercolour sketch of the river. I show you how to tackle some of the problems that come with painting on location and explore the benefits of being in the landscape.
Recently, the art supplies company ETCHR kindly provided me with some equipment to try out and having having spent some time testing it, I'm delighted to integrate it into my working process. Here are some links to the products used:
ETCHR SATCHELL
Jacksons Art Supplies - geni.us/C7geiM
Amazon UK - geni.us/Dd8eV
Amazon .com - geni.us/WqW5e
ETCHR FIELD CASE
Jacksons Art Supplies - geni.us/C7geiM
Amazon .com - geni.us/raLB
ETCHR ACCORDION SKETCH PAD
Jacksons Art Supplies - geni.us/HFOg
Amazon UK - geni.us/ZCBJ9do
Amazon .com - geni.us/EKxXa
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
This video contains affiliate links to products, which means that I receive a small commission on a purchase of those products without additional cost to you. The purpose of this video is to share my knowledge and experience of landscape painting and watercolour with you and from time to time that may involve me recommending products that I use. I receive some of those products from manufacturers for free, but the products that I recommend are only products that I believe in, have used for many years, tested extensively and am comfortable to recommend to you.
The products that I receive are not contingent on me making any video tutorial content, nor are they part of a legal sponsorship arrangement.

[@terayahm6873]

I feel like I was stumping around the fields with you. Very inspirational. Thank you

[@daleshawn1910]

This is gorgeous. Please do more of these plein aire paintings. It was amazing. Thank you

[@bruni2828]

Thank you really enjoyed your work.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Wonderful work, Oliver! I enjoy your relaxed plein air paintings just as much as your studio work. It gives the viewer a chance to fill in the holes you want "them" to imagine. I sometimes get tired or bored of looking at detailed paintings.

[@caseystorm4999]

I absolutely loved this Olly. Taking us on location is so exciting. Amberely is a beautiful location. Thankyou as always 🙏👍

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It is a lovely place. Thx for tuning in for the chat

[@barblair]

Wonderfully real, including when you said "...and something's crawling on my neck..." the reality of painting outdoors!

[@lorriewatson7423]

Love these outdoor exercises! I can pull them out years later and vividly remember every tiny detail that I don't get from photos. 🙂

[@sandrade1734]

Thank you Olly. How you painted the greens in this landscape has been such an eye opener. I am often overwhelmed by all the greens and tend to paint them as is, green gold, sap green, dark green and ending up with a muddy green landscape. So helpful to see the tones you used and the end result captures the peaceful and beautiful landscape without the hint of any chainsaw.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

This is were the benefits of knowing your primaries in a limited palette really does help.

[@consueloyoung4484]

And what a gorgeous day it was!, thank you for sharing it and the marvelous scenery with us. As I watch you paint and listen to your explanation, I clearly see that I try too hard with my brush strokes. Loved how you added tree trunks at the left bank before they were also cut down, lol.🙏🏼

[@caroleangel9287]

Sun, wind, annoying chainsaw and critters. I loved every minute of this video. Looking forward to the next one! I always learn something…

[@barbaraa.8889]

Happy that Jenna Rainey gave a shout out to your channel in her "The Best Watercolor KZbin Channels 2023" video!

[@margaretmorgan3693]

I love your tutorials, it encourages my confidence to paint again after a long illness. Thank you.

[@stevec-b6214]

superbly done and very inspiring. I live on the north york moors, and the heather is blooming, there is cotton grass aplenty, you have given me the kickstart i need!

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

All the chat on location is excellent. I personally don't need the music, but the chainsaw is part of the rural environment where I live so I felt at home. Your mention of the butterflies and birds while you are on location here, adds to the experience of viewing your en plein air process. Looking forward to another outdoor painting video, which you mention, with lots of rural sounds. Thank you.

[@paulbrad8061]

Very much enjoyed this tutorial Olly, I am new to watercolour, bit anxious about working outdoors at this stage but very much inspired by your practical approach, thanks for the tips and the great presentation 😊

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Small steps Paul. Spend time indoors playing around with the medium, learning how it behaves and only venture outside when you feel comfortable

[@huguettegabrial478]

Thank you. Great lesson. I will keep it in mind when next I go out to sketch.

[@paulah317]

This is such a good demo highlighting the things to expect with plein air painting. I like the calm, deliberative process . I had the mistaken notion one had to paint quickly in watercolor and plein air so now I know to be calm and paint on!

[@warrengarr3709]

So inspiring! After watching this video yesterday, I went straight outside to paint a sketch, concentrating on using your technique to capture reflection in water. That did give my sketch quite an upgrade, I must say. And this morning, I packed up my plein air easel & kit for this first time this year and headed to a riverside park close by. I did come home with a painting that captured the feel of the day for me. Thank you for giving that advice - I needed it! I hope that you will do more plein air videos for us?

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Well done for getting out there Warren and capturing the moment. Yes, more to come.

[@marilynbeeby6435]

You did a fabulous job Olly, I really enjoyed this tutorial and you've encouraged me to have a go at plein air. Thank you😊

[@cmosheh]

What a great video, Oliver! Watching you capture the mood of the countryside is an inspiration and a source of delight.

[@sarahbee9331]

Loved this! So glad you’re making more tutorials - can’t wait for the pen and wash!

[@carollen5633]

Thank you Oliver I enjoyed coming along with a cup of tea. Nice work.

[@trishwoods]

19:27 Thank you so much for bringing us with you and talking through the thoughts with us. Also, thank you for not fast forwarding through the process but allowing us to feel like we are there with you Plein air painting and being able to learn “beside” you. 🙂

[@pammcreynolds]

What a beautiful place to paint! I'm surrounded by beauty too. I'm near the Great Smoky Mountains. Mountains, creeks, rivers, trees, flowers, cabins, insects, salamanders, bears, deer, and so much more. I can't wait to get out and paint! I can't wait to watch your next video!

[@liliawebb9377]

What to put in and what to leave out and discovery of things you missed at first. Great advice and I enjoyed the outing. I'm already thinking of a couple of places to visit while it's still today. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your relaxed style.

[@artsymargo]

I'm at 40:37 --- LOVE the tiny red flowers brought to the front! Before that, the red dots you'd added seemed to be much farther back, nearer the tree. Brilliant to grab them up in a bouquet and plant them in front of you -- metaphorically, obviously, especially since you'd just here been talking about adding and tweaking when back in the studio. Beautiful composition that places the viewer standing in the river. I can almost feel the cold water rushing against my legs. Funny and serene at the same time. Thank you for the experience!

[@artdavisstudios]

Such a great video. I've been having a hard time getting motivated to go out and give painting out doors a try. This video really makes it seem much more approachable. Thank you.

[@karenhealy1260]

Thank you Oliver! I love your videos! They are the best. They are so helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for your generosity

[@Bpl541]

I loved this sketch outdoors Oliver. This type of outdoor sketching is my ideal and your technique and brushwork are really good. Thankyou for sharing.

[@binxiao6175]

I really enjoy to listen to you describing nature. It reminds me to my childhood when I was out with my aunt and she taught me to appreciate the details and beauty of landscapes and nature. Makes me very happy relaxed to watch your class. Thank you for that.❤

[@lesdobson7921]

Lovely sketch Ollie. Really liked the way the river bank leads the eye into the painting. Great choice of location and beautifully rendered. Enjoy your tutorials immensely....thankyou.

[@susimawani4892]

Wonderful! I can feel the summery day. And you are so right, sketching is memory work, one never forgets the moment, not just colour, smells and sounds too. Many thanks!

[@StClair008]

This was a terrific video for those of us who are just starting to paint outside and find it overwhelming. Appreciated how you had to deal with the environment (including bugs), finding a suitable location, set up, observations, and finally painting an impression. It's comforting to see that even the experienced still have a degree of basic problem solving and other challenges.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's always a challenge but it's so enjoyable that the problems just become part of the fun!

[@lisalindberg9980]

Brilliant! I am just joining a group and will be doing my first plein air! I plan on practicing in my yard first. Thank you for being so kind and sharing so much! I love your little sketch and the painting. I would be over the moon to have that as my finished piece!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's the perfect way to practice Lisa. It's a pleasure to share.....thank you for tuning in.

[@gerdriechers8426]

To put it simply: Wonderfull! Thank you for taking us on your impressionistic watercolour journey.

[@stefanydower1350]

You make it look so easy. Turned out very beautiful, very soft. I can draw but not confident in painting but this has encouraged me to paint. thank you.

[@bettygalanter4417]

How lovely! Thank you for taking the time to explain the wonders and techniques to consider with outdoor painting. No wonder you won't sell your "sketch" - it's a masterpiece.

[@heavanaart4049]

Wonderful work and so relaxing to watch Olly . You never cease to inspire me to get better with my watercolours, Thank You.

[@maimunamalik2883]

I have been waiting for something like this for a long time. Thank you Oliver, simple yet so impactful. Looking forward to more...

[@bmendonca2]

I am so glad I found your site. I am a beginner to painting and I decided on water colour but found colours ran into each other. I watched you sketch and paint and once the awe passed and I could close my jaw I began to follow your instruction and am ecstatic to have done a blended wash. I am having brush wars but will find my place with the ones I need. Thanks for the start in my new world of painting.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Great to hear from you Brian and well done on the blended wash. Delighted that you've taken the plunge in the world of watercolour!

[@agnespeterse2529]

Thank you for taking us along to this lovely landscape! It's very helpful indeed for painting outside. I love everything in this video, not only the beauty of nature but also the explanation you give in such a gently and understandable way. The music is wonderfully chosen as well....:-)) Very appreciated!

[@marymcneill7397]

Another inspiring video, thank you Oliver. I’ve learnt so much from you over the last few weeks working my way through your videos. Mary

[@terrilikens4975]

I thoroughly enjoyed this outing and your emphasis on keeping it simple.

[@janakiperera7387]

Really loved this demo. Please continue to do more like this. Thank you❤

[@lorraineclark3517]

Great content! You have summed up what outdoor landscape painting is all about. Your kit setup makes it more handy to get outside.

[@caroljacobs6697]

Very helpful. I have always been overwhelmed by quiet landscapes. Thank you

[@niafer9444]

I very much enjoyed watching you paint this and I also enjoyed having a go myself. I have only recently started drawing and painting, so I was realistic about the outcome. But what I found particularly hard was drawing the branches so they look like they are 'in' the tree and not infront of the tree, and also the dark on the left where the bank meets the water. A lot of fun though. Thank you very much.

[@judylarkin1978]

Thank you Oliver! How wonderful! It’s so relaxing to watch you paint. I love your descriptions. I will play this again and try to paint along! I felt as though I was there in person! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent!

[@TheArghnono]

Thank you for another brilliant video, Oliver. Your explanations and commentary are brilliant and very helpful for beginning watercolourists. Very inspiring!

[@cherylbrewer1218]

Thank you Oliver. I have never sketched outside but you have inspired me to have a go. Might just start in the garden though. Thank you again 😊

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

The perfect place to practice Cheryl - I used to do that.

[@cherylbrewer1218]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 👍🙂

[@hotspursam4972]

So lovely and calming as well as instructive. Thank you Oliver

[@dlillianb1368]

I like the idea of not feeling the need to paint all the way to the edge of the paper. As usual, I love the colors.

[@jimbobbluegrass]

Thank you Olly! I thoroughly enjoyed your day!

[@willettejackson979]

I'm considering a fave,a historical place for me within my city,near and across a pier. It's pretty yet challenging. I'm with recollection, let's see what happens. You're inspiring,as I watch. Thanks for your guidance.😅❤🎉 Little by little for me 👍🤙thank you.

[@Richard-ou6uw]

Another lovely tutorial with a smashing painting 👍👍

[@1TimothyFourTen]

That was so enjoyable I'm gonna watch it again right now... thank you!

[@joegriffin5851]

Another lovely and informative video. Thanks. I aim to go outside this week, once the lashing rain here in Ireland has abated somewhat.

[@derekzellmer9466]

Never seen anyone with the same looking thumbs as myself, I enjoy watching your sketches! Take care

[@rosspollard3585]

Thanks for this video. The scene seemed amorphous to me, but you simplified it and emphasized colors that were slight making a very pleasing sketch. A good example of outdoor painting!

[@mitzimiranda9592]

This is AMAZING Oliver!!!!...I have been watching a few of your tutorials since 2 weeks ago. I have to say you are truly amazing as a Teacher. Realli considering to became one of your Patreons in the near future. Thanks for all and gretting from Southampton x

[@user-eb4ww2dx8t]

Wonderful video, thank you for spending time to film the process

[@poppyburns3807]

So glad that you posted a new video. This was wonderful with lots of great tips. Thank you so much and am greatly looking forward to upcoming presentations.

[@MySgriblo]

Thank you once again Oliver for a first rate video.........so enjoyable and inspiring!

[@twicetwo]

The magnificent scenery of the Aaron River. A lot of useful tips will help young artists capture all the objects. Thank you, Oliver:)

[@steveknight6329]

Wonderful view and beautifully captured.. thank you for sharing..

[@nyonyoaye9050]

Want to see more your demonstration along with explanation. Thank you Oli 🙏

[@leilahartman8426]

Thank you! I’m a grateful fan! Wonderful to watch you paint and see the nuanced gestures of your art. As a beginner in watercolor your lessons are immeasurable to me.

[@nancybrink3701]

Thank you Oliver. A wonderful turtorial, very helpful. Love your style

[@sandybush1661]

Beautiful! Such a restful painting. I liked the man in the background with the chainsaw. It was a nice juxtaposition of painting a nice, calm peaceful location with somebody working hard and sweating in the background.

[@virginiatimmons4927]

Thanks for taking us along with you! I really enjoyed watching this, found it very relaxing. (Even despite the chainsaw haha)

[@christinelozeart7474]

What a lovely painting experience , a beautiful watercolour.

[@szarinepainting9894]

Wow ~ this painting is amazing 🥰👍❣ I love your painting techniques 💕, they look very professional and the colors are also beautifully blended together 💕 💕. It looks very realistic thanks for sharing dear ❣❣

[@janetchen959]

Not sure how you paint it so naturally yet lively. I did it once but not very nice. So I painted the second time again. Hopefully one day, I could paint like you. Thank you for sharing your works with us. ❤

[@AriaMontgomery777]

Everything about this video is so natural, calm, beautiful and aesthetically pleasing!!💜💜 It made my day! Thank you💚

[@borleyboo5613]

Beautiful painting and stunning countryside. I enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you. 😊

[@roystapleton9333]

An excellent tutorial that I found very well put together professional. I am very eager to see your pen and wash technique and am looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing.

[@baggypants57]

What a joyful experience watching how your go about a plein air experience. I learned so much from your video. After 2 years of water coloring I want to venture out this Summer and be as inspired. Seeing your tutorial will offer a guide to make a go of it. Thank you s ouch!

[@constance9789]

Enjoyed the location and WC tutorial going to check out another vlog looks like more color in it #6 creating visual interest. Thinking about trying WC outdoors to capture nature and learn more about nature, color and landscapes. Thanks for sharing. Love your country scapes.

[@dogwhiskers8]

A wonderful visit. And a treat leaning over Oliver's shoulder to watch him paint. Had to laugh at the chainsaw. Such a pastural setting. Incongruous. Thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Lou! It's funny how many people move to the countryside to live, thinking it's quiet and peaceful!!

[@Frieda_Kamstra]

I was like I was sitting next to you. Thank you. I really enjoyed this a lot!

[@danamccraw6970]

What a wonderful video! You get so many of the things we have to think about when we go out and how not to get too obsessed with them. I’m fairly new to plein air painting so this is a real encouragement to me! Thank you so much, Dana

[@clairebradbury11]

Thank you. Very inspirational.

[@davidkemp1585]

A lovely day with you. Thanks

[@dianemcgregor6171]

Have really enjoyed this whole thing..the sounds and the tips and the memories of an English countryside. A very relaxing way to learn...And I'm learning so much from you!

[@kiranp2325]

isn't it just fun. what you say about what you do... drawing sketching ... pen, pencil, brush & colour......this is going to be what I will leave on the shelves for my daughter to go through.... I hope she likes what you are saying, that we are doing... such fun enjoying our lives, and leaving our impressions. thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Absolutely Kiran - lovely thoughts.

[@saravasura1076]

Thanks. I live in a small historical college town in Virginia and we have lots of outdoor opportunities to paint. You are inspiring me to go outdoors. Simple seems to be best and is helping me move forward in my sketching and painting journey!

[@Ant1matter2]

I was indeed thrilled that a fence was there. I paused the screen and snapped a few pics of the teasels since,,honestly I can't recall if Ive ever seen or known their name. I hope you don't mind I will try my hand at sections of this scene. I have so enjoyed your relaxed mood. Thank you!

[@TomCatSg]

Brilliant video as always. Thanks for sharing Olly!

[@janeswalden1]

Loved loved this video. It inspired me so much to get outside and use nature to be creative as well as appreciate the outside world. Thanks! I’d love to see more of these!

[@bridgettethiesen8599]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and talent. You are inspirational and I appreciate your detail instruction and soothing presentation.

[@andrewcoslett9036]

Lovely video Olly. En Plein Air, simply a great experience!

[@maryannegunter115]

Watched from US. I appreciate your style and instruction, learning much from you. Thank you!

[@alfhorlock9307]

Thank you Olly apart from the inspiring presentationi it is lovely to see the Sussex landscape. again . Midhurst being my home town and the Rother a tributary of the Arun it brought back memories.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent Alf - a beautiful place.

[@donnapurdy4035]

So looking forward to the next painting. Light wash.

[@brianparnell2256]

Great video Oliver.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

thx Brian

[@rz9305]

You are a great teacher ❤ thank you!

[@joannefk4758]

You’ve done a fantastic job being the master director of everything happening and then bringing it all together for us to enjoy. I recognize what is entailed as my son has a KZbin channel ‘Sharing the Wild’ while he lives in his van on Vancouver Island. I’m learning so much from you in all levels. Thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Joanne. Yes it is a lot of work, but enjoyable too. I'll look up your son's channel - sounds interesting.

[@janefoster8117]

Just found your channel! painted for many years in oils, too scared to try watercolours! Now I will thanks to you! Please keep up your vids x

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Give it a go Jane!

[@alvirosy]

I'm here in my comfy bedroom and I'm right there too wherever you took me to! Thanks for this beautiful video as well as the tutorial. :)

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Beautifully painted - and explained. Very helpful, and a joy to follow along.

[@garygreen1782]

Really great 👍 perfect tuition video. Keep doing them, I've learned a so much about watercolour practice!