Developing a passionate interest in plein air painting can happen at any point in an artist’s career; the necessary skills can be learned and a personal approach developed. Californian Sheryl Knight found that to be true when she dedicated herself to studying and practicing outdoor painting.

by M. Stephen Doherty

The students who make the greatest progress in a workshop or art class are those who are determined to make improvements and remain open to instruction, criticism, and sharing with other participants.  Sheryl Knight is a perfect example of what artists can achieve, even after a late start, when they make that commitment and remain open to change.  Earlier in her life, she wasn’t able to paint on a regular basis, take workshops, join festivals and paint-outs, or devote herself to outdoor painting.  That didn’t happen until she was in her 50s. Nevertheless, she made up for last time.

“About 18 years ago, when my children were grown and on their own, I started painting again, working in watercolor for several years,” Knight explains.  “Then around 2000, while I was exhibition watercolor paintings in galleries, I decided to switch to oils, a medium I used when I was in my teens and 20s.  I took a number of workshops from artists I admired and constantly strove to improve by challenging myself to learn new ways of approaching my paintings and growing as an artist. . .”

This is an excerpt from “Devoting Oneself to Plein Air Later in Life“. Find the full article in the February / March 2017 Edition of PleinAir Magazine.

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