Balancing a 40-hour workweek with painting isn\u2019t easy \u2014 and when your focus is plein air, it gets even trickier. The best light often happens in the mornings or evenings, and those hours don\u2019t always line up with a 9\u20135 schedule. Still, with some planning and a willingness to either work small or tackle a larger piece over several sittings, I\u2019ve found ways to keep my plein air practice alive alongside a full-time job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Weekday Evenings<\/strong> 2.Keep it Local<\/strong> 3. Thumbnails to Save Time<\/strong> 4. Weekends for Larger Sessions<\/strong> Making time for plein air painting with a full-time job is never perfect. Some weeks are busier than others, and sometimes the weather doesn\u2019t cooperate. But staying consistent, even in short bursts, is what keeps me growing. It\u2019s not about waiting until I have endless free time \u2014 it\u2019s about carving out space where I can, brushstroke by brushstroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After work, I don\u2019t always have the energy for a full painting session \u2014 but even an hour outside can make a difference. I\u2019ll either bring a small canvas (8×10 or 9×12) for quick studies, or a 16″ x 20″ and plan on several sittings. Both approaches keep me in the habit of observing light and color directly from life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To save time after work, I paint somewhere within walking distance of where I live. This cuts out the commute and scouting, and it makes it easier to squeeze in shorter sessions during the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thumbnail sketches have become my secret weapon. They let me work out composition and value decisions before I even set up my easel. When daylight is fading fast after work, this preparation helps me start painting with a clear plan, instead of hesitating and losing precious minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since weekday time is limited, I treat weekends as my opportunity for longer plein air sessions. I\u2019ll pick a location, pack my gear, and spend several hours chasing light and working on larger canvases. The smaller weekday sketches often feed into these bigger works, giving me a head start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n