Plein-air painting

When painting outside it isn't necessary to paint what you see in the same order that you see it. For example, you are in the field and in front of you is a still pond with reflections, some tall grass, a few pine trees and shrubs, maybe a cabin. You don't have to paint all this. If you wish, paint some landscape out of your head and use what you see in front of you for detail. It's a bit like taking bits from several photographs and using the details to make up your painting. Don't worry about what passers-by might think, or say. Only you know what you are doing. The results will be better than if you did it in your workplace from memory.