What is the best thing about being an artist?
Melanie Levitt: The best thing about being a plein air painter is being able to connect with nature and be outside in the White Mountains of NH where I reside. I paint outside through all the seasons and actually enjoy being outside in the winter when it is not too cold or windy. Sometimes I set up in my car if the conditions do not allow me to set up outside. The tranquility and beauty of the winter landscape is inspiring to me. Winter often brings a sense of quiet and solitude to the mountains. The play of light and shadow in the snow creates dramatic contrasts and changes with the light. Painting outside allows me to truly see my surroundings and understand the landscape. In the winter snow, there are subtle variations in hue from cool blues and grays to warm pinks and yellows. Since I am not relying on a photograph, I am observing the ever-changing light, colors, and atmosphere in real time. This sharpens my observational skills and leads to better paintings.
To see more of Melanie’s work, visit:
Instagram
