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Well, it is almost upon me, the first plein aire event of the season.  I have been doing inventory and replenishing supplies, including stretching canvases.  Everything is received and now comes the hard and boring part, packing. 

If you love wine and art and are going to be in Missouri any time from April 24 thru May 5, 2019, come on out and see the artists creating scenes and paintings right before your eyes.  The final sale will be on May 5, from 11am to 4pm at Mount Pleasant Winery.  However, there will be pop up galleries where you can purchase painting that have come right off the artist's easel.

Lots of B&B's in the area and in Washington, Mo. there are nice hotels also.

 

Hope to see some of you there!

I will be happily painting away,

 

Jennylynne

Though I enjoy painting in Plein aire, I am not necessarily a Plein aire painter exclusively. What I love about getting out in the world to paint from life is the freshness and spontaneity Plein aire gives to all my work, whether in the field or studio. I love the challenge of having to edit out the abundance you find when painting in Plein aire. I think it has helped me hone my skills when doing still life, portrait or studio work. It helps to focus in on composition and values and helps to hone in on what you really want to say with the painting. I like that it has given me another facet to my painting career. Plein aire has expanded my view of the world and increased my vision. Every artist can benefit from what working in Plein aire can teach you. I would encourage you to get out there, even if it's just once a month. Pick a nice day with no wind ,rain, or adverse weather to start. Sitting in the sunshine enjoying nature you will be transformed in the moment. Trust me, you will not know where the time has gone when you get started. Also, don't be discouraged by your first attempts. It can be overwhelming to take in all that scenery. Try starting with a small group of things, like flowers or a rock outcropping, or a tree. Hone it down so you can finish in your allotted timeframe and come away with a nice beginning piece. That's how I started to learn in Plein aire. That method also showed me that I am not a “big vista” painter. I like the more intimate views of nature, which is why I like portraits and painting flowers. I discovered that the same thing that draws me to what I love to paint in the studio is also true in Plein aire. This revelation freed me to just enjoy the process of painting outside without all the added pressure of being a “Plein aire painter”. Don't let all the hype of Plein aire painting that is currently being touted stop or intimidate you. Find your own Plein aire voice and get out there and enjoy. Happy Painting, Jennylynne