In this art snippet, Raj Chaudhuri, who has been on the faculty of the Plein Air Convention & Expo, shares his inspiration for plein air painting, specifically in India, where he grew up. He now travels the world teaching and painting.
“As an artist, plein air painting is one of the most important things I do,” says Raj Chaudhuri. “It is so challenging and rewarding. I get to experience painting from life, on location. The learning is invaluable as you have to learn to make choices and not ‘copy’ everything in the photograph.
On Plein Air Painting in India
“Painting in India is just marvelous for me as I have grown up here and now as a painter seeing all these places, I am really slowing down and really ‘seeing’ a particular scene for a long period of time – rather than a fleeting photograph. I get to interact with the people here and the experience is so rich. Making an on-location color study and along with photographs, it sets me up for success in the studio.
“Visiting India is amazing to say the least. It is a full sensory experience where the people are super friendly and landmarks are stunning. I would say that arranging transportation and trying to get permission (from local contacts) makes painting on location far easier. I have painted at friends’ places, people I have just met, and public spaces, among others. Finding a relatively quiet location is a bonus to paint in. Try to plan it out as much as you can in advance!”
Connect with the artist at www.rajchaudhuri.com.
