In this wacky video, the artist illustrates a fundamental principle of plein air painting in this video: “A canvas is a sail” [00:36]. AND, a large canvas is a larger sail. Watch Robert Lewis sailing like a kite above the beach where he discovers a wonderful view to paint.
This “Lewis Law of Painting” serves as a practical reminder that the physical properties of a canvas—its flat, taut surface—interact dramatically with the natural environment. In a dramatization on a windy beach, the artist demonstrates how even a moderate breeze can turn a larger canvas into a formidable kite, jeopardizing the easel and the artist’s footing [02:46].
The lesson is clear: one must remain vigilant of the wind’s power, as it “knows what to do with a sail” [00:43]. The artist’s experience underscores the importance of choosing a canvas size appropriate for the conditions and securing equipment properly. Observational honesty extends beyond the subject matter to the very environment in which the artist works.
Nature dictates the terms of the session.
