Plein Air Fun!
“To look, to see, to understand, to capture – however imperfectly – is to be part of the land in a way like no other.” ~ Jan Blencowe
What a wonderful spring we continue to have!! The Festival of Gardens was recently held and what glorious weather we enjoyed. The weather, combined with a drop dead gorgeous garden (seriously, it is comparable to the botanical garden at the zoo), made for an outstanding day of painting in beauty. My good friend and fellow artist Cathy Love spent the day with me painting and enjoying the day. A big thank you to Yvonne, our gracious host and to #ColumbiaGreen for putting on the event and inviting artists to participate!
In addition to happiness from being able to combine my love of the outdoors with painting, plein air is a great way for me to expand my skill set. It is challenging in a number of ways that studio painting can’t replicate. 1) speed, 2) changing light, 3) audience, 4) distractions 5) limited supplies (colors, brushes). Natural light is the absolute best light there is so you also have the advantage of being able to see things more clearly outside that you will ever see in artificial lighting, no matter how good. That means colors are clearer and more nuanced and lines and edges are crisper. It’s hard to beat that! Seeing something in person is also always better than seeing it through a photograph too!
All these factors often mean the painting has a freshness and spontaneity but, for me, it also often feels unfinished. On occasion, I really do finish the piece fully onsite but more often, it is either a piece I will go back to and finish up later in the studio or simply consider it to be a good practice piece that will never go beyond that.
New artwork
My two latest commissions are both sweet pups! As soon as they are dry, "Parker" (16x16 inches) will head off to Texas and "Lucy" (9x12 inches) will go to her owner here in Chapin.
I have two other commissions, both landscapes, that are just about finished too. More on those next time.
Recently sold
Did you know that I also sometimes sell prints? I have prints of this one and several of my other florals available on my website HERE. If you're interested, just let me know!
Congratulations and thank you to Hillary and Sundai my newest collectors; and to Julie, a repeat buyer who has several of my pieces now. I appreciate you all very much!!
In other news...
Two of my recent pieces are on display at Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea in downtown Columbia from April 7 – July 7. This is a great venue with tasty beverages and snacks as well. The theme of this show is “Favorite Vacations”.
What’s next?
I plan to participate again this year in the Annual Ag+Art Tour. It was cancelled due to COVID in 2020, but is picking back up again this summer.
I will be at two events this year:
First, June 5 and 6 will find me in Lexington County at the Fire Barrel Farm.
306 George Derrick Rd
Swansea, SC 29160
June 5 10am-4pm and June 6 1-5pm
“We are a Dairy Goat Farm we have Fresh Raw goat milk available. Call for a farm tour, we also offer soap making, gardening 101, canning 101, cheese making classes and vegetables as they come in season. Come out and see us and milk a goat.”
They even have Goat Yoga!
June 12 and 13 will find me in Richland County at the One Hubcap Farm.
June 12 10am-4pm, June 13 1-5pm
1236 Muller Road
Blythewood, SC 29016
"We offer pastured pork, poultry, and seasonal vegetables."
I understand they have some pretty flowers too!
That’s it for today. I’m off to enjoy more of the beauty of spring and to my studio to do some more painting!
Until next time,
Barbara
Stay tuned!
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