Get a quick dose of inspiration in this Q&A with Richard Schloss on his atmospheric art, his inspiration, and the single-word answer to his most commonly asked question.
Q: At what point in your creative path did you begin to focus on atmosphere?
A: When I first started painting I looked at Monet’s cathedral paintings. 40 paintings of the same gray stone façade. He obviously wasn’t painting the building, rather he was painting the air and the light. This I believe was one of the first things that piqued my interest in atmosphere and light.
![Atmospheric art by Richard Schloss](https://www.outdoorpainter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/atmospheric-paintings-Richard-Schloss-Gaviota-Coast.jpg)
Q: Tell us about your personal favorite painting (of yours) and why it’s a favorite:
A: This one (above), which I am working on now, is my favorite. As they say, “my best painting is my next one.”
![Atmospheric art by Richard Schloss](https://www.outdoorpainter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/atmospheric-paintings-Richard-Schloss-Thousand-Steps-Morning.jpg)
Q: What’s the most common question you’re asked, and what’s the answer?
A:: “How do you paint water? the light? trees? the atmosphere?” And similar questions for which there is no answer except “practice.”
Q: What advice would you give to other artists who strive to achieve atmospheric effects?
A: The advice I would give is to study how atmosphere and light work, then observe the different effects whenever you can. The best way to observe nature is to paint it.
![Atmospheric art by Richard Schloss](https://www.outdoorpainter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/atmospheric-paintings-Richard-Schloss-Evening-Light-Looking-West.jpg)
![Atmospheric art by Richard Schloss](https://www.outdoorpainter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/atmospheric-paintings-Richard-Schloss-Thousand-Steps.jpg)
![Atmospheric art by Richard Schloss](https://www.outdoorpainter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/atmospheric-paintings-Richard-Schloss-Beach-Sunset-Hope-Ranch.jpg)
This interview was originally published in 2018 in Plein Air Today
> Click here to subscribe to the free newsletter, Plein Air Today
> And click here to subscribe to PleinAir Magazine so you never miss an issue!
> Join us January 27-30, 2021 for Watercolor Live!