10 Rules for Hiking Artists ~ The Art's Big Glass Of Wine

Wednesday, November 16th, 2022

10 Rules for Hiking Artists

By Linda Tippetts

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Linda Tippetts, "Swiftcurrent Pass," 20 x 24 in. This hike included 7-mike Highline Trail, beginning at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park, and an overnight stay at backcountry Granite Park Chalet before descending 8-mile Swiftcurrent Pass Trail to Many Glacier. This trail takes the hiker over the Continental Divide.

It's one thing to set up an easel in a convenient location for painting en plein air, but Montana artist Linda Tippetts (who is around 80, setting a wonderful example for us all) prefers to take her gear to the mountains. I've asked her for her advice on hiking to a painting location, and here's what she had to offer.

Plein Air Painting Advice and 10 Rules for Hiking

Get in shape. It won't happen on the trail, so forget that wishful thinking that you don't have to work out aerobic style prior to hitting the trailhead.
Know your limitations. The definition of genius: "Genius knows its limitations" . . . self-explanatory.
Don't hike alone. The "buddy system" as defined by the military applies to civilians.
Weigh your backpack. And then eliminate half the "stuff." Make lists.
Check weather reports. My go-to expert says, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." (I'm not totally convinced, but there's some merit to this.)
Don't trust the "guidebooks." Talk to someone who has ACTUALLY HIKED.
Hiking Boots – Spend money on good boots instead of stylish shirts and pants.
Calculate the following – Elevation gain vs. miles vs. hours of daylight vs. personal speed.
Water – Consider a portable filter system because usually there are creeks and waterfalls. Pack electrolytes – they don't weigh much.
Attitude – If you're the only artist on the trip, don't make your hiking buddies wait on the trail while you paint that masterpiece. Take a lot of pictures. Sherpas are hard to find as are good hiking buddies, so be considerate.

If you read between the lines, you'll see I've learned all these rules by breaking them – kind of like painting!

Linda Tippetts, "Iceberg Falls," 12 x 16 in. A day hike to Iceberg Lake in Glacier Park

Linda Tippetts, "Athabasca from Wilcox Pass," 24 x 36 in., Canadian Rockies

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Linda Tippetts, "Lake Ellen Wilson," 20 x 30 in., Glacier Park

Linda Tippetts, "Iceberg Lake" 30 x 40 in., Glacier Park

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Quick Tip: Be a Workshop Pro

A moment from Iain Stewart's "(Staying Loose While) Working From Photos: Landscape Painting" demo

Quick tip for artists > "When you are viewing actual painting demos remember to watch what is happening in the palette as much as what's happening on paper. Look for the thickness of paint as well as the colors used." ~ Iain Stewart, Watercolor Live

In Iain's previous Watercolor Live session titled "(Staying Loose While) Working From Photos," he explained how to simplify your photo reference, the importance of establishing the eye level and looking for big shapes, how he uses "the keyhole" to unlock the best composition for a busy city scene, and much more.

If you missed that one, don't worry – he's joining us again in January 2023, along with Stan Miller • Olga Litvinenko • Yong Hong Zhong • Richard Russell Sneary • Jansen Chow • Shelley Prior • Mark Mehaffey and many, many more to be announced.

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