Watercolors by Stephanie Hartstang

Plein Air in the Emmental

Watercolor Stephanie Hartstang Atelier Südereiche Emmental Plein Air Lüderenalp Eiger Mönch Jungfrau

Emmental, August 2023, with Willi Fikisz

Painting plein air is always special because you're right in the middle of it all. Right in the middle of the perspective, right in the middle of the composition, right in the middle of the colors—and right in the middle of the weather. The conditions are constantly changing. Mountains that were just radiating sunlight have suddenly disappeared into the haze, and the light that had just been coming from the left suddenly comes from the right. The sun is blazing in the sky, but suddenly it starts to rain.

Planning and spontaneity are equally important. Planning in the composition of the image. Which section should I choose? What should be the highlight? Where should the light come from? Spontaneity while painting. It becomes hazier, so focus fully on what will soon no longer be visible. Changing light alters the colors. A boost for creativity.

FTSFOTOGRAPHY NOUTSCHLAND ODEN Ireland