New Year’s Day Plein Air: A Fresh Start
Well, here we are—New Year’s Day, the sun starting to dip toward the horizon, and the promise of a fresh year feels as wide open as the sky above. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably already considered the typical New Year’s resolutions: eat healthier, work out more, be kinder to yourself and others... But why not start with something a little more exciting?
How about grabbing your watercolor set, heading to the beach, and doing a little plein air painting at sunset? It’s one of those moments where the world slows down, nature works its magic, and you get to connect with the art of the outdoors…the kind that doesn’t mind if you’re a little messy.
New Year's Day: Step Outside and Breathe In the Beauty
Yes—after a rather indulgent holiday season, stepping outside on New Year’s Day feels like an act of rebellion. The golden hour is one of the best times to be outdoors, especially along the Central Coast, where the sun wraps everything in warm, soft light. The cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills all glow under the late afternoon sun. Whether you're perched near the rugged coastal cliffs or along the oak-studded rolling hills, the landscape is a living, breathing masterpiece.
The best part? You don’t need to rush. The beauty of plein air painting at this hour is that time slows down, and the setting sun gives you a chance to just be—to breathe in the salty air and let the cool breeze help you ease into the year. It’s like nature’s gentle reminder to start fresh, but take it slow.
Painting Outdoors is an Adventure—Embrace the Chaos
Now, plein air painting is not for the faint of heart. Especially at this time of day, the light changes fast, shadows stretch long, and the wind can decide to throw a fit. Your watercolor paper might flip, your colors might blend into unexpected hues, and you might find yourself frantically chasing that last bit of sunlight. Or when you forget your easel (like I did today). But that’s all part of the fun!
There’s a freedom in knowing that painting outside isn’t about perfection. The landscape is a moving, breathing thing—and you’re just trying to capture a piece of it before it shifts again. It’s a perfect metaphor for the year ahead: things will change, plans will go awry, but you can only respond in the moment. The trick is to relax and let the world around you shape the experience.
And if your painting looks a little... experimental by the time the sun sets? Well, that’s just part of the fun. It’s about creating, not about creating something flawless. Just think of it as a friendly reminder that life’s messy, and that’s okay.
It’s even ok if you forget your easel.
The Healing Power of Nature
There's something magical about painting in the middle of it all—the sound of waves, the smell of salt air, the calls of the seagulls. Nature isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s a balm for the soul. Spending time outside can reduce stress, improve mood, and even spark creativity. So as you set up your watercolor paints on a rocky outcrop or sandy patch, you’re not just getting a jump start on a creative project. You’re also clearing your mind, putting the world on pause for a moment, and reconnecting with the earth.
The act of painting in nature lets you focus on the present—on what’s in front of you rather than worrying about all the things you should be doing. It’s just you and the world around you coming together in a peaceful, beautiful way.
Being in the moment.
The Importance of Starting Right (Even If It’s Messy)
Starting your year with something like this is a little like starting with a clean slate. Sure, you’re painting outdoors instead of making a list of resolutions, but the result is the same: you’re creating something new, embracing challenges, and diving headfirst into something unpredictable.
It’s easy to think we need to start the year off with perfection—smooth sailing from the first moment onward. But we all know that’s not how things work. With plein air painting, you get the chance to practice patience, adaptability, and acceptance. The light will shift, your lines might go astray, and you’ll have to adjust your plans. But that’s okay. It’s all part of the process.
So why not start the year by embracing the mess and uncertainty? There’s no better way to set the tone for the months ahead than by stepping out into the world with an open mind, ready to roll with whatever comes.
The quickly-changing light is always a challenge.
A Creative Start to a New Year
At the end of the day, it’s not about whether you create a masterpiece. It’s about making space for something new, both on the paper and in your life. By stepping outside, painting with nature, and taking on the challenges of plein air painting, you’re giving yourself permission to be present, to get messy, and to enjoy the beauty around you.
So, grab your paint set and let our spectacular surroundings work their magic. Whether you walk away with a piece of art or just a good story, you’ll have kicked off your year in a way that’s perfectly imperfect—and that’s something to celebrate.
Happy New Year, and happy painting!
