Recently we shared 33 highlights and favorite moments from the 2nd Annual Plein Air Live; but there’s more to these events than lessons on how to paint better landscapes. Of course, we heard from many of you that this was like drinking from a firehose when it came to the amount of takeaways; here are some other, more personal aspects that bring us together again and again. (Next up is Pastel Live in August!)
In a year where many of us have been alone more than usual, we had four days during Plein Air Live (five for those of us who were also in the Beginner’s Day) to really connect with others. What made it special was that the “others” were people from our own extended community – people who love art, painting itself, specifically painting outdoors, and being in nature.
Throughout a running chat, we saw new friendships made as artists gave shout-outs to where they’re from, finding local art societies and plein air groups. We also chatted live with the artists as their demonstrations played before us; artists were able to ask questions, share their own tips with each other, share their favorite book, hacks, and have extended conversations on topics such as color mixing (greens!), why you shouldn’t use clove oil, and other topics that naturally come up when artist friends are gathered.
“Every instructor only manages to inspire me more and more! So many techniques, so many different technical skills and things to understand I didn’t even realize I needed to know…all to work into my own methods and paint more. How could I possibly choose a favorite [moment]?!” ~Brittney Hernandez, Plein Air Live attendee
In addition to the chat stream, we also used breakout rooms, where smaller groups of us met in a more intimate setting. We’d begin with brief introductions, then share our favorite moments from the conference, what we love about art, and also get to meet some of the faculty that also joined in the rooms.
I remember one young lady I met in a room who was given a ticket to one of our earlier events – Realism Live (November 2020). She said it changed her life because at the time she was experiencing depression, and coming to Realism Live not only pulled her out of a difficult period, but also brought her back to creating art.
So many lives were changed; including those of our own staff, as we’re constantly inspired by all of you.
Many of us used the hashtag #pleinairlive to share our photos on Instagram and continue to network there. Here are a few of our favorites:
For the past 3 days I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend a global virtual conference call Plein Air Live! I have learned so much about color theory, painting materials, and techniques. I even met artists from around the world and connected with a few from Michigan! I am feeling energized, inspired, and ready to paint outside again! ✨
Plein air 2. Second day.
For the past 3 days I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend a global virtual conference call Plein Air Live! I have learned so much about color theory, painting materials, and techniques. I even met artists from around the world and connected with a few from Michigan! I am feeling energized, inspired, and ready to paint outside again! ✨
This oil painting is kicking my butt and I still have so much more work to do on it.😳
@christinelashleyart I can’t believe you painted this scene in one hour. I worked on it for lots of hours today and I’m probably not even halfway done. I didn’t have the right paint colors, which made it a bit more challenging and I’m not loving my replacement color choices. Learning so much though, thanks for such an amazing Plein Air Live lesson!
Had a great time at #pleinairlive #pleinairmag @ericrhoads #pigmentlady #aepbenchblog
Post #pleinairlive high. Cleaning up brushes and palettes for both @pegandawlbuilt Scout and @cupeasels. Filling paint tubes. Can’t wait to try @kathleendunphyfineart palette mixture. Great reason to buy new paint. I’ve got a 5X5 to paint ASAP for @tulsaartistscoalition 5X5 show.
Let me try to post again…day 3 at #pleinairlive with Clyde Aspevig – learning some fascinating insights and loving it! With @telckkat @kerin.McTeigue @margaret_mcteigue @maryburkelych @ericrhoads
In addition to the friendships made and stories shared, we had all the usual happenings: incredible plein air painting demonstrations, studio demos that can be applied outdoors, art critiques and history lectures, paint alongs, and more. If you missed the first recap, read “33 Special Highlights and Bonus Tips from Plein Air Live” here.
Next, we’re hosting Pastel Live in August!
“If you want to get better at pastel painting or step up to the next level, it starts with giving yourself the gift of time to grow,” said Publisher Eric Rhoads. “Sign up today. Last time everyone waited until the last day before the price increase and it crashed our computers, and some people could not get in at that price. Best to do it right now. You have nothing to lose (no risk) and everything to gain.”
Sign up before midnight (PT) May 31 to save up to $600 off the full ticket price.
“Pastel is so diverse,” Eric said. “You can do landscapes, portraits, figures, still life, architecture, abstracts, and so much more. You can be bright and colorful, or subdued and gray. There are dozens of styles, subjects, and approaches, and we’ll cover them all.”
Visit EricRhoads.com to find out all the amazing opportunities for artists through Streamline Publishing, including:
– Online art conferences such as Plein Air Live
– New video workshops for artists
– Incredible art retreats
– Educational and fun art conventions, and much more.
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