Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1469966
10 KEYFRAME A F T E R H O U R S "When you're painting en plein air, it's like building a library in your mind of how things actually look... It reinforces simple techniques like 'this is how you paint trees and how you paint clouds or buildings.' It's so beneficial for any artist." —Michelle Lin PAINTING OUTDOORS PROVIDES A BONDING EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION, FOR TAG ARTISTS AND FRIENDS. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Animation traditionally has been an indoor medium, with artists hunched over drawing tables or computer screens. But a trio of Los Angeles-based animation pros is breathing fresh air into the industry by telling their colleagues to go outside. With the creation of Warrior Painters, Assistant Art Director Michelle Lin, Art Director Angela Sung, and Production Coordinator Kayleigh Ma promote en plein air, the act of painting outdoors. Founded in 2016, Warrior Painters has grown a loyal following of those working both in and out of the animation industry. The group bonds during weekend painting sessions in Los Angeles and San Francisco with a rotating roster of hosts choosing locations. Sung's interest in fishing has led them on an oceanside excursion, for example. Another outing, organized by Lin, took the group to Downey, Calif. and the oldest remaining McDonald's. The pandemic couldn't stop the warriors. When the rest of life went virtual, so did the group with members sharing their work on Discord and gathering for digital paint sessions. Even as outdoor events resumed, Ma says their page on the chat platform continues to be an active