The ying to my yang. Plein air painting is a salve to the ultra tight and detailed work of botanicals. The smell of oil paints brings me back to my beginnings at SVA. How I loved those studios but now getting out to nature is entering the ultimate studio.
From my training in botanical art I came to understand how important it is to paint from life. I work from direct observation whenever possible. These plein air studies serve to inform saturation, hue and perspective. Sometimes, I consider them finished but more often use them as reference or finish them in the study armed with what I’ve learned in the field. Studying botanical illustration at NYBG has taught me so much about composition and value and how to turn a form and create believable illuminating light. I use these skills as well as experience in painting from direct observation in my studio work as well.
Susan Sapanara 