Why did Claude Monet like to paint outdoors?

Claude Monet preferred to paint outdoors, or en plein air, to directly capture the changing effects of light and color in nature. He believed that working outside allowed him to observe and represent the nuances of the environment more vividly than studio painting. This approach was central to his Impressionist style, which emphasized spontaneity and the transient qualities of scenes. By painting outdoors, Monet could also engage more intimately with the landscapes he loved, resulting in a more authentic and immediate expression of his artistic vision.