>>4693209We in the industry refer to this as "plein-air"
>Is it worth the expenseYes. Go to a hardware store and make a tripod easel out of 3inch bolts and strapping for $10.
> and effort?Everything drawn from observation is inherently worth more than anything drawn from photo reference. This is because normies believe that it is more authentic. They can't be wrong because the customer is always right.
Does it actually improve your skills?
Yes. All of the best landscape artists in history painted en plein air. There is no observational drawing that isn't good for you, assuming you're not staring directly at the sun.
You will be abused by bugs. Your fingers will go numb in the winter and it will adversely affect your art. You will get dehydrated once in a while. These are all minor game mechanics of real life.
If you really want to put some artistic hair on your chest, go paint running water for a day.
