I have a T-shirt that says "It's not finished yet" on the back. ;)

Another YOU TUBE painter (who shall remain nameless) has useful advice... and this translates to any thing you have a fear about... Ask yourself "how many people want to do this thing but are too afraid" and remind yourself you deserve credit for attempting that thing at all. Even if you fail or experienced anxiety, you did it while others did not.

"Oh look it's van gogh" ... "Oh look it's lance armstrong" But for real, thanks for this video. I've been too nervous to go plein air paint because I feel almost like a fraud. This definitely helped put things in perspective.

Thanks for the video. I recently retired and returned to plein air painting. I started in Miwaukee, when I was in my late thirties, and after painting the backyard and front yard, I started picking out places on my way home that I thought were interesting. These were suburban at the time, but it was always surprising how many people would stop to look, even when I was out in the countryside. Almost everyone was nice, with many men wanting to be witty, while the women were mostly kind and interested. I remember painting a water hazard at the local golf course and three boys watching. The teeing spot for the next hole was near there, and when a player hit his ball into the water hazard, all three boys took off to try and retrieve the ball. That seemed to be their sole occupation. I remember mothers bringing their kids over to watch, mostly their grade school daughters. But, now, when I look at my twenty year old paintings, I can remember things like my approach to the painting, or how I worked on it, but I really don't remember much about the people who approached me. I started painting downtown, after getting up the courage, and learning to ignore the people who stared. I was always nice to people, and on some occasions, even stopped to answer questions. Most people just wanted to look. I do have memories, like the time I was painting a fountain in the East side suburbs and discovered it was closed because kids had dumped soap in the fountain. Or the woman who kept bothering me about painting a photograph of her son, which I didn't want to do. I even gave her the name of ofter artists to call. She wouldn't take no for an answer, so i did it and she didn't like it, and I didn't care. For a time, there was a plein air group in Milwaukee but I never painted with them, as their schedule clashed with my job. There was, and still is, an annual plein air competition in the yuppie art suburb of Cedarburg. I entered for the first two years, and won an awards, but on the third year, they limited the size of the entries, so I never entered again. Most of my work is 30" to 36" wide. I don't even know what they restricted it do, as I hold a grudge against them. I joined a state art group, and somehow got talked into running it for six years. I sold several pieces to a major insurance company over a number of years. But the pressure of running the group, 9/11, a change in position at my job, and a move out of the city really took me away from plein air painting. One of the last attempts I had made, I had started to paint a picture of the Milwaukee River and a farm when a man came across the street just to see what I was doing, and that was it. I was just so tired of being approached by people that I couldn't finish the painting. So it is possible to get sick of the people approaching you. The fact is, even if you are very shy, or embarrassed by the attention, as long as you like the people who are approaching you, you can handle it. Just last year, I startedto plein air paint again. I now find interesting places in the Wisconsin farmland and the forest. I painted the smallest landscape I had yet done - a 12" x 24" farm scene. I wanted to paint it because we were getting smoke from the 2021 California fires, and it was creating a muted effect on the landscape for a while. I wanted to accept my challenge. Surprisingly, my second or third time out there, a woman stopped by and told me that seeing me paint out there was inspiring her to go up north to finish a painting she was working on. That was one of nicest things a person has ever said to me while I was painting. Sometimes the people are worth it.

Some great anecdotes there Mike. Thank you for sharing this valuable Plein-air experience. It is so encouraging. I've only painted Plein-air about a dozen times now but intend on doing more in the future. Cheers, Oliver🎨👨‍🎨🙂

I started in the cemetery, and ours was conceived as a bird conservancy with tons of fruit trees, + there's lots of space without tombs, also great statuary you can practice figure drawing\painting on. I like the subscriber with the Tshirt that says ''Back off ! I'm an artist''. I need that to repel guys trying to hit on me LOL ! ;-))

I agree. Act as though you know what you are doing! No one else knows what you are trying to achieve so be confident. If people are interested enough to look they usually say nice things which boost you confidence so be brave. It’s cold and raining hard here in Wales and we are in a severe lockdown so I memorise a scene at the beach and paint an oil sketch at home.

Thanks Michael. Just at that point now where I want to do plein air but facing all those fears, so this is great to hear your experience and suggestions.

You're so good at keeping it real and giving solid advice. Thank you again! One thing I'd add for the women especially is to consider safety if they want to go out alone. It's important to know the area and to consider if they are putting themselves at risk. I know of two stories, one from a male painter and another from a female painter: in both cases they had pulled off a highway and were painting. Both narrowly escaped attack. In the woman's case, her husband was napping in the back of the car and when the stranger pulled over and started to approach, she quickly woke her husband and that was enough to make the other guy turn back.

I am definintely fearful of painting in public, so a quiet location will be key for my first time out! Thanks, this was really helpful and encouraging!

A passionate positive painting partner is a huge help..we motivate each other.!

💝.. perfect timing to watch, listen, be encouraged by your experience. Thank you!!!!

You're absolutely right about not caring what people think but it can take a little time to develop that mindset; and of course it helps to be confident in what you do or at least to be able to explain what it is you're after.

I believe that you are an objective thinker...this is so refreshingly uncommon in the cyber vision world. You are a good teacher, I can tell how much you truly love the process and, with altruism, you share your knowledge and enthusiasm for oil painting...especially plein air painting. Thank you!

JUST DO IT!! the old nike ad.!! been saying that one for 20+ years! i enjoy talking with people and meeting strangers.

ppl can be very generous too. i had a guy come up to me out in a park where i was painting and asked me if i wanted a french easel he had in his garage. i was 'hell yeah'. it turned out to be a fantastic vintage easel from grumbacher.

The biggest fear is fear itself ,, I love it all the interaction with people who would never otherwise talk to you . Oil paintings for most people are too labourious for them to watch , they quickly get bored and move on , don’t worry just do it

Lots of great advice on the video. I would add to carry a small viewer or use your fingers to simplify in on your layout. Many beginners try to cram in too much and it gets overwhelming and confusing as far as a strong layout. And you end up working too hard. Michael shows that a lot on his videos and its very important. I do like painting with others because its just more fun.

So well said Michael, you are absolutely right, I have had nothing but positivity from others when out painting. Just go for it!

I love plein air, I just need to get out more. Most people are very supportive and love seeing you out. They always come by though when the painting looks like nothing. It does help with the paint skills!

Great advice, Michael. I was also very nervous about people around (and still much prefer no one around) but I painted in my yard many, many times first and that helped work out the kinks a great deal! And now I still seek out places with the lowest traffic possible, partly because that’s just me. But I have had one sale already where I was painting someone’s Airstream at the beach and the owner bought the picture. So there is that advantage. But you’re right, it does get better with practice. And it’s so worth the effort. I am absolutely hooked on plain air and have learned so much faster by painting from life. It’s amazing! Thanks for all your videos and great advice. 😊

I just ordered my first en plein air easel! These are just the tips I needed to start my journey. 👍

Michael, great advice! I am stoked to go out. That said, one piece of advice might be about being prepared for the conditions. I say that being in Toronto and it's winter. Of course, you CAN paint in the winter and get beautiful stuff, (many have done it) but it would suck to be uncomfortable. The videos you have done at the coast when it's windy is a great example. When you discover it's not right to set up and paint, you have usually work out a Plan B and still are able to come away with something. Just my 2 cents. To your point about just going for it. If you can set up and paint in PARIS, you can do it anywhere! Good video. Thanks

I enjoy plein air painting. One tip is to check you supplies and equipment before you go. I went on a week long plein air trip and my husband helped me pack the car. Well, when I finally reached my destination, I discovered that I did not have my easel, we each thought the other person had packed it! It made for an interesting trip! Lesson learned!

I look at weather, and light and factor toilet breaks, very important if I'm on my own!

Great advice Mike ! Fear leads to failure when we avoid doing something because of it. Be brave, go for it and by doing that you’re a success because you conquered fear. it’s paint ! most people will be in awe if it even resembles something LOL. and quietly inside they will be admiring your bravery as they would be fearful themselves.

This was a fantastic video! It's exactly what I needed to know. Thank you for sharing this!

AND it’s FUN! I painted at a city park the first time and felt like a dufus. I kept apologizing for my painting of Greenlake Bathhouse lakeside theater. But people were very supportive. The picture turned out not that bad (after5 hours!!) and I felt so good for having tried it😃D0 it!!

Wonderful advice . The fear of making a mess real! Your advice is right on. Having the Plein air easel fall down as you try to set up is awful!

Thanks SO much for this video .. I've been practising in garden but really want to get out in public, been sketching in public but easel job ;-) is far more intimidating .havent bought proper set up yet as is research/confidence phase. thanks again for inspiration and steps 🚶‍♀️ 🙏

Great advice! I would also recommend taking the minimum of brushes and paints and put everything in your backpack. The first time I went out I thought I’d left all my expensive brushes on the clifftop so went all the way back the next day only to find they were at home all the while. I’d taken too much, got sidetracked and wrapped them up in my kitchen paper.

So true....most folks are just excited to see you out there painting!

Thank you for all your videos, comments, instructions, & encouragement, especially for those who are afraid to give it a try. I've been painting en pleine aire for several years & it's just my favorite thing! I'm in my studio way more than I want to be, but that makes getting outside even more special. Keep up the good! Happy painting!

Paint in a group doesn't work well for me. Studio or outdoors, I am very self conscious of my lack of ability. Especially among other artists that I perceive to be very good. Often I'll get a start but finish at home. Or restart from a photo. I am getting a pochade box to go into our quiet parks and out of the way place. Hopefully with more practice I'll feel greater confidence to be in a group.

Have seasonal favorite spots....knowing when to go and where....also local painting groups helped me start...Now mostly by myself or with one other painter...and my dog!!!

Great tips! Love your kitchen too!

Thank you so much for once again sharing your valuable experience. Painting Plien Air is what I want to do (when the British weather allows). Your video(s) has given me just the encouragement I need - 'I will feel the fear and do it anyway.'

yup!!! it takes courage and strength to paint outdoors!

There’s a lot of truth in this video. Thanks for the encouragement to get out there.💖😬

Thank you, l have my new en plein air easel ready to go, just need to take the first step.

You are so right Michael. I’ve only had one negative comment through the years as well. But it is hard to get out there when you’re first starting or when you’re doing something different. I paint representational but last week I decided to try a very expressionistic almost abstract of the trees blowing in the wind with a reflection in the water. I felt it was absolutely horrible. But I could not believe all of the people that were coming up saying how much they loved it. What is especially fun is the children because they love art. It’s so sad how people lose that as they age. So like you said, people just love to watch artist’s paint.

Great video Mike. Excellent advice. I lived in Africa for 45 years before we came to the UK 20 years ago and used to paint out in the bush every day. But, since coming to the UK I find it so difficult. There are always so many people around lol. (Not lately of course). I'm determined to get my confidence back and get back out there once our lockdown is over. Thanks so much Mike. I really feel encouraged and inspired by your videos.

Hey, wait a few more weeks, it is too cold here, but then I will definitely start painting outside, I love you videos, I look forward to it every day, can you also paint in the forest grts from Belgium

Thanks for the advice and for the effort you put into your channel

Yes! Thank you so much for answering my question with this awesome video😍

That was so motivating! Thank you

Yes I’ve been called van gough 😂😂😂 just as well they never looked too close

Thank you for the amazing advice!!

4:06 exactly!

Awesome video once again! 😁

“It’s at a shitty stage.” That’s what I explain to onlookers. As if it’s going to get better after they walk away. 😂

this is good advice!! i’ll definitely use it for my photography

Ohhhh. Boy Michael, you have been lucky...or you just have really good energy (most likely the latter). I’ve had some doozies whilst out painting: drunks harass me, a woman wanted me to paint a man holding a baby hanging from a tree (because she had a vision of it), a guy somewhat accurately read my future on my birthday (it was his birthday as well ), someone give me a full critique of my painting, parents thinking that I’m there to babysit their kids while painting at China Beach....the list goes on. There were so many strange interactions I started to write them down. But I have to say that I’ve never painted in SF (well, once with Bruce Katz and Norman Bonny at Fort Mason).

"Who cares?" -chamberlainpaintings 2021 ... Cheers!

Great talk.

How long after you first started painting before you actual sold a painting?

And don't paint right outside a restaurant window!

I find if you stand just 5 or 6 feet of the side of a path 99% of people won't approach you.

I haven’t got a problem painting in public it’s the idiots who come up and tell you that they teach art and start to tell you that you are doing it all wrong.