It just hit me. I wanted to write about how to prepare to go plein air painting. And then the whack over the head... it's like Maslov's triangle of the hierarchy of need. Very similar. So let me take a few liberties on the layers, but here is Maslow's layout.
1.Physiological needs- breathing, food, water, sleep
2.safety needs- security of body
3.love and belonging- friendship, family
4.esteem-confidence, respect
5.self actualization- creativity, lack of prejudice, problem solving
And now here is my layout.
The Plein Air Hierachy of Needs.
In order to create beautiful work on location, here is the plein air hierarchy of need.
1. Physiological-Prepare. Dress in layers (more is better than less-you can always unlayer,) be hydrated, wear long pants and bug repellent (tick repellent) and bring a little toilet paper for necessary moments. There is rarely a bathroom. Carry only the smallest amout pf supplies with which you can get by. With the physical taken care of, don't forget to prepare yourself with an intention. Why are you out there?
2. Safety. You need to be certain it is safe......no bears, no cars to bowl you over, etc. I have painted on the edge of a cliff and I must admit it was hard to fully immerse into the concept of the painting when you are never quite sure if you will plummet to your death.
3. Love your medium, your chosen way to communicate- explore it fully know its nuances and be prepared to take risks
4. Esteem. Have the confidence to go where you haven't gone and simply listen to the painting.
5. Self actualization- hardest one to achieve. This is when you have your very unique vision that looks like not other...not because you tried to do just that, but because it's authentic. All the time you have spent in love and turmoil becomes discovery.
