En Plein Air July 15 – August 19, 2023
Michele Combs, Bob Matheson and Joseph Theroux

Also featuring Plein Air works by Scott Lloyd Anderson, Carl Bretzke, Todd Clercx, Tom Dimock, Curtis Gander, CeCeile Hartleib, Don Holzschuh, Richard Kochenash, Steven J Levin and Wayne Meineke

Plein air painting, which literally means "open air" in French, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. It emerged as a response to the rise of industrialization and the desire to capture the beauty of nature in its purest form. The Barbizon School, a group of French landscape painters, laid the foundation for plein air painting in the mid-1800s, advocating for painting directly from nature rather than relying solely on studio work. This approach gained popularity among artists as it allowed them to capture the changing light, colors, and atmosphere of the natural environment. The Impressionists further popularized plein air painting in the late 19th century, with artists like Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro leading the way. Their bold brushwork and vibrant colors revolutionized the art world, breaking away from the traditional and academic styles. Today, plein air painting has become a beloved practice among artists worldwide, offering them a chance to connect intimately with nature and convey its beauty through their art.

En plein air painting is a captivating artistic practice that involves creating artwork outdoors, directly inspired by the surrounding landscape and natural elements. As opposed to working in a studio, en plein air artists immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of their chosen location, allowing them to capture the true essence and spirit of their subject matter. This approach not only offers a unique experience for the artist but also results in paintings that vividly depict the play of light, texture, and color found in nature. By embracing the ever-changing elements and the challenges they pose, en plein air painters are able to create works that possess a certain freshness and authenticity, resonating with viewers in a deeply emotional and sensory way. The act of en plein air painting becomes a meditative and immersive process, as artists engage in a dynamic dance with the natural world, translating their observations and emotions onto canvas. It is no wonder that en plein air painting continues to captivate and inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.