Artist as Collector: Mary Garrish and the Artist’s Choice
Florida painter Mary Garrish calls collecting art “a gut response” to what moves her. But she has another way to explain her choices, one that makes total sense.
What Is Up With the Wildflowers in California?
If you have painter friends in California, then you have undoubtedly heard about this year’s crop of wildflowers. Although the state suffered a terrible drought last year, this has been a wet winter and early spring, and this and other favorable conditions have resulted in a crazy abundance of blooming wildflowers in the Golden State. Artists report in, below.
Eric Rhoads Picks Winners in Marble Falls, Texas
Sales doubled from last year at Paint the Town, in Marble Falls, Texas, an event that was judged by PleinAir magazine publisher Eric Rhoads.
When Nature Hands You Something Special
Walter Bartman is always looking for a sunset that has something unique about it. Boy, did he get one recently.
Why This Works: Muted Chroma, Powerful Values
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, Dana Zier’s “Pryor Overlook.”
Spotlight on PACE Faculty: Susan Nicholas Gephart and Experimentation
For Susan Nicholas Gephart, a pastel instructor at the upcoming Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE), art sometimes makes her feel like a mad scientist.
EXHIBITION: Maryann McGraw, in Albuquerque
Plein air pastels by New Mexico artist Maryann McGraw are the subject of an exhibition on view now through April 30 at the Purple Sage Gallery in Albuquerque’s Old Town.
OPPORTUNITY: EnPleinAirTEXAS, in San Angelo, in October
One of the fastest-growing and most well-received plein air events of the season is accepting applications from artists now.
Parting Shot: This Is Spring?
Julie Riker enjoyed a nice spring day of painting recently. Can’t you tell?
Featured Artwork: Lynn Wilson
“Blue Bayou”
Oil on canvas
24 x 36 in.
About the Artist:
‘Living on the Forgotten Coast of northwest Florida gives me many unusual opportunities to see nature...
Painting a Plantation in Georgia
For the last five years, painters have gathered in March at a historic rice plantation to paint. Just paint. No prizes, no judging, just a 150-year-old plantation house on grounds shaded by enormous, moss-bedecked live oaks.
A Wilderness Trampled for Centuries
American artists James Coe and Debby Kaspari were part of a group that painted for 10 days in one of the cradles of civilization. No matter how remote the location, they saw numerous signs of human activity. That’s the nature of the Mideast.
Oops, I Painted a Keeper
Plein Air Convention & Expo faculty member Francesco Fontana recently had a demo painting of his get out of hand.
Are These Strawberries Red?
Three top-notch artists who are fascinated with color theory commented on some gray strawberries, and PleinAir Today wrote it all down.
My Favorite Place to Paint: John Caggiano, and Paradise Gained
John Caggiano painted a picture of a beach in the Venice, Florida area titled “A Touch of Paradise.” But it was the artist who gave it that magic touch, not nature.
Why This Works: High Horizon Line for Compelling Composition
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, Thomas Caleb Goggans’ “Shoshone Turquoise.”
Spotlight on PACE Faculty: Jill Stefani Wagner and Psychedelic Pink
Jill Stefani Wagner will tell you how the students teach the teachers and the teachers explore with the students in the drama-free, prima donna-averse atmosphere of the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE). It’s one of the reasons she loves being on the faculty there.
EXHIBITION: CAC Gold Medal Exhibition
The California Art Club’s 106th annual Gold Medal Exhibition is upon us, with the gala reception opening the show this Saturday, April 8.
OPPORTUNITY: Pop-Up Paint-Out in Santa Cruz, June 2
Thirty artists will gather in Santa Cruz, California, on June 2 to compete for $2,000 and to help raise funds for the Coastal Watershed Council, and you could be one of them.
Parting Shot: White Dresses and Heels?
Things have changed since 1959.