Confession Time: I’ve Never Done Plein Air Oil Painting
By Michael Bennett
I’ve been painting landscapes for a while now, but here’s the truth:
I’ve never actually done plein air oil painting. Sure, I’ve done a bit of watercolour sketching outside, but never the full setup—standing on-site for hours with my oils, brushes, and easel.
It’s something I’ve wanted to do for ages, but I’ll admit—I find the idea a little intimidating.
So Many Places… So Much Indecision
I love the idea of setting up outdoors, feeling the breeze, watching the light shift, and capturing a scene in real time. But every time I think, “Today’s the day,” I hit the same wall:
Where do I go?
Ontario is packed with beautiful locations—lakes, forests, winding roads, historic barns. But with so many great options, I get stuck trying to pick the perfect one. Should I stick to somewhere familiar so I can just focus on painting? Or explore somewhere new and risk spending more time scouting than painting?
It’s silly, really—I haven’t even had my first plein air oil painting session yet, and already I’m overthinking it.
The Real Challenges: Logistics and Perfectionism
Of course, it’s not just the location choice. There’s also the gear: What do I bring? How do I carry it all without breaking my back? Will I have shade? Is it close to parking? And… will there be people around watching?
Then there’s the pressure to make the painting good. I know bad art is part of the process—every flop teaches you something—but it still bugs me when I invest time and come home empty-handed.
Maybe It’s Time to Just Go
The truth is, I probably just need to pick a spot, go, and see what happens. Even if I forget something or the wind knocks over my easel—it’ll be a story. And a start.
So if you’ve ever delayed starting something creative because you couldn’t figure out where or how to begin, I totally get it. You’re not alone. Let’s just agree to start somewhere.
Maybe next time, I really will throw a dart at a map and head out.
A Few Local Spots I’m Considering
Lately, I’ve been eyeing a few local locations that feel plein air–worthy:
- Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens – beautiful, lush, and close to home
- Fields near Enniskillen – peaceful and rural with a lovely open feel
- Lakeside views around Port Perry – lots of sky, water, and potential atmosphere
Each one has its own vibe—some are quiet and tucked away, others have a bit more public traffic. If you’ve painted outdoors in the area and have a favourite spot, I’d love to hear about it.
What About You?
Have a go-to plein air location in Ontario? Or a tip for getting past the “where should I go” block? Let me know in the comments!
Feel free to drop me a message or follow me on Instagram.
Thanks for reading,
– Mike