Garden Fountain/Peel Mansion
Rain Swollen Creek
This is what I meant to blog about today; this past week I took part in a 3-day plein air (that means "outdoors") paintout, culminating in an exhibit and sale, some of the proceeds of which went to benefit charity.
The event was the first annual Heart of America Artist Rendevous & Paintout, held at the historic Peel Mansion & Heritage Gardens in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Not being a very seasoned plein air painter, this was a learning experience for me, though I did receive a minor award (Honorable Mention). Sales were pretty good, I think, and the crowd, though small-ish, was enthusiastic and a good number were actually looking to purchase some original art, which is a hopeful sign for this area of the country. The weather was very dodgy for most of the event, but the skies cleared miraculously exactly on cue for the final show (I credit Saint Catherine of Bologna, patroness of artists - turns out it was her feast day).
I did four paintings, altogether, one that I am happy with, two that are okay-ish, and one spectacular failure that no one will ever see again (MWAH-hah-ha-ha!)... we artists are allowed to do that. It's called self-editing.
Anyway, two of the paintings are submitted above for your approval. Lest you think that the plein air learning curve is exclusively about technique and other artsy things, let me inform you that one of the most important lessons I learned was to always remember the sunblock. The top painting above cost me a good toasting on both arms... I looked like Larry the Lobster from Spongebob.
I also learned that the longer you sit alone in your truck in the area of the campground at the back end of Lake Atalanta, the greater your chances of being propositioned by a crusty old dude (I was painting the view out my driver's side window, with the panel propped on the steering wheel, but I guess I did look kind of creepily like I was waiting to be hit on). There were no words exchanged, but it seemed pretty clear to me what the fellow had in mind... Bleh.
The thing is, it was an immensely enjoyable - though exhausting - few days, and something I plan to do a lot more in the near future, starting tomorrow (God willing). Hiking and painting... two of my favorite things. If I can find a way to smuggle in a beer or two, it will approach being a nearly perfect human experience.
That "Garden Fountain/Peel Mansion" painting is remarkably beautiful.
Whoever got that one was extremely fortunate.
I could see having that painting in my living room.
Will you paint more of these, particularly this style?
Posted by: e. | May 14, 2009 at 12:43 PM
That's very kind, e.
I do hope to paint a number of other pieces like this, but no one has got this one, yet (I badly need to update my Etsy store, but I have been tremendously occupied with other things).
Painting the landscape from life is a real challenge, but very absorbing and fulfilling. I plan to do a lot more of it soon.
Posted by: Tim J. | May 15, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Man, I haven't painted landscapes 'plein air' in nearly a decade. I have some fond memories of it, but thinking back carefully, I don't believe many of those memories had to do with the actual painting (moreso about the camaraderie with fellow artists). I hate that the sun moves, that clouds move, that bugs and dust are always landing on my painting ... ugh.
Still, part of me wants to try my hand at it again. In any case, your paintings turned out lovely and I look forward (as always) to seeing more of them.
Posted by: Adam D | May 15, 2009 at 09:56 AM