F I J I Plein-air Mer Sketching underwater in the tropics was a fabulous experience. Staying warm while sketching an animal for 20 or 30 minutes allowed me to fully immerse myself in their environment and behaviors.--K "Plein-air Mer", a term created by Kirsten's dive buddies, is a variation of the "plein-air" technique...inspired by diving underwater. Initial sketches are created underwater with a pencil and are part observation, part sketch, part scribble. Once topside, notes and sketches are combined to create a more complete color version. Then, it's off to do another dive. Once Kirsten is back in the studio, a combination of these illustrations, dive log notes, photographs and video are used to create larger fine art pieces. An example of a raw underwater sketch [left] and the more finished version created immediately following the dive [right]. View Kirsten's complete illustrated dive log from Fiji. Next dive trip: Antarctica (we just have to figure out how to sketch underwater without a glove...)